KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Platte County Sheriff’s Office is taking a close look at Parkville’s top two leaders after a resident came forward alleging that they destroyed public records.
Parkville Mayor Nan Johnston and City Manager Joe Parente are being investigated for alleged “destruction of state records” and “tampering with a public record.”
The allegation comes on the heels of a previous Sunshine Law battle where resident Jason Maki ultimately received a settlement of $195,000 from the city, and the city was ordered to give Maki the documents he had requested.
That settlement came about after Maki requested documents regarding a new city development.
This recent allegation concerns documents regarding the same development.
The person who has accused Johnston and Parente, whose name was redacted in the incident report, says they deleted emails sent from their personal accounts that regarded city business, which a judge previously ordered them to turn over, according to the incident report.
However, Johnston told KSHB 41 News that "no public records were destroyed."
She also called the accusations "baseless" and said people were "trying to defame [her]."
KSHB 41 emailed and called City Manager Parente for comment on the allegations, but have not heard back.
The person who raised the accusations has also turned over documents they believe prove an investigation is warranted into the Platte County Sheriff's Office as well as the prosecutor's office, according to the incident report, and those offices will decide on further actions if necessary.
Johnston has been fined before by an ethics commission over campaign finance violations.
—
For jurisdictions that utilize the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, anonymous tips can be made by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
