KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Multiple arguments broke out during a Thursday hearing for the Special Session to decide if Gov. Eric Greitens should be impeached.
Al Watkins, the attorney for the ex-husband of the woman who Greitens had an affair with, received $100,000 earlier this year before the invasion of privacy case against Gov. Greitens.
During a special investigative committee hearing, Watkins revealed that he received $50,000 on Jan. 8 and $50,000 more on Jan. 9.
Watkins revealed the mystery money information to reporters weeks before the trial was set to start. Shortly after Scott Faughn, publisher of the Missouri Times, admitted that he delivered the cash payments to Al Watkins.
In the hearing Watkins says one delivery was made by Faughn in person and the other was by one of his employees. The money was used to purchase a recording of a confession from the ex-wife of Watkins client.
While Watkins gave his testimony he used expletives and made lewd remarks, something that didn't sit well with many committee members.
This is part of the exchange between Watkins and Committee Chair Rep. Jay Barnes.
Rep. Barnes: "Yes, you are going to sit there...shut your mouth...yes, you are going to sit there.”
Al Watkins: "I will not sit here…as long as you are going to say it, shut my mouth... you shut yours.”
Watkins also revealed more details into his strategy for exposing Greitens for having an affair. According to Watkins, a recording of his client confessing to having an affair with Greitens was sent to multiple members of the media.
The release of the tape came with certain terms according to Watkins. He said they wanted to conceal the identity of all involved and he wanted a story to be released on or about the day of the governor's State of the State speech.
"When all of this happened in 2015 my client wanted to ruin the governor,” said Watkins. “You admit there was some vengeance,” asked Rep. Barnes. " In 2015? Absolutely. Vengeance, every emotion in the book, vengeance, hate, disdain,” replied Watkins.
After much back and forth, Watkins apologized to the committee for his conduct but said he will defend his client because that is his job.
Ed Dowd, the governor's attorney, was asked when Greitens will testify. Dowd said that has yet to be determined.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was appointed Special Prosecutor for the invasion of privacy charge against Greitens. According to Rep. Barnes, officers were sent to Jefferson City to obtain documents pertaining to the case. The information will be used during her review and consideration of possible charges.
The committee has another meeting Friday morning.
