ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A St. Louis County Councilman was temporarily kicked off the board for violating Missouri State Law before being reinstated hours later
An official source has confirmed to KMOX a court order filed by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell is expelling Dennis Hancock from the St. Louis County Council.
Hancock is alleged to have violated the Missouri State Constitution's nepotism clause.
"I take no pleasure in pursuing this action, but based on the clear language of the constitution it would be a dereliction of our duty to not bring this matter before the court." said Bell in a statement.
"The Missouri Constitution is clear and unambiguously prohibits elected officials from hiring a relative. The Missouri Constitution is also clear that upon hiring a relative, an elected official forfeits his or her position. The Constitution does not give discretion or take lapses in judgement into consideration."
According to petition filed by the Bell, on Aug. 19, Hancock appointed Hollie Galati as his administrative assistant. Galati is Hancock's stepdaughter.
Upon being hired, Galati received a salary of $24.88 an hour, along with vehicle allowances in the amount of $300 a month, plus additional benefits.
KMOX Legal Analyst Brad Young says the nepotism provision of the Missouri State Constitution is one Hancock should have been aware of.
"This is something that has been in existence for more than 100 years," said Young. "This is not some secret lurking provision in the Constitution. It's well known and this has come up many times in the past."
Young adds Hancock can file a response to the order and if upheld he will have to turn to the Missouri Court of Appeals.
In a statement a spokesperson for County Executive Dr. Sam Page says the County will abide by the order of the court. Hancock can respond to order but cannot serve as Councilman in the meantime.
Hancock took part in Tuesday's council meeting despite the controversy. He was not in chamber, but virtual and did vote because he had not been served yet.
However, Councilman Ernie Trakas wanted to go into closed session for advice from the county counselor as to whether Hancock should be voting. Ultimately, the majority of the council voted against the closed session and the meeting continued.
Councilman Dennis Hancock tells KMOX he was not aware of the clause when he hired his stepdaughter to serve as administrative assistant.
"I was not, I don't make it a habit of studying the state constitution."
We asked if he would still have hired his step daughter if he was aware?
"No, and that's why when I did find out about it we took the steps that were appropriate to try to undo [hiring her] as best we could."
Hancock says they found out her paperwork was never completed and agreed with her step daughter she would not be paid.
"Rather than take the chance that she might be paid, we simply said she's not going to be paid, we're gonna call it volunteer work, she's volunteering."
Councilman Hancock believes this became an issue because of two reasons. The vote during the county council hearing regarding a the council members getting their own legal representation and revenge from the County Executive.
"I think [this] is retribution from the ninth floor, from Dr. Page's office," says Hancock, adding "I've been a pretty vocal critic of his and I think this was seen as an opportunity to destroy my reputation and destroy the reputation of my step daughter."
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