JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A top Missouri official has decided not to pay the legal bills for attorneys who represented former Gov. Eric Greitens' office against potential impeachment proceedings.
Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman said Thursday that it appears the primary beneficiary of their work was Greitens individually and that the attorneys weren't needed for the governor's office itself.
Steelman provided The Associated Press copies of letters denying $118,000 of invoices from Eddie Greim's Kansas City-based firm and $64,000 from Connecticut-based attorney Ross Garber.
Greim and Garber told the AP they hope Steelman will reconsider. Garber said it looks like the attorneys are caught in a "politically motivated fight."
Greitens resigned June 1 while facing potential impeachment proceedings over allegations of sexual and political misconduct.
Steelman had been appointed administration commissioner by Greitens.
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway praised the decision in a statement to 41 Action News:
"As Auditor, it is my duty to protect Missourians and their tax dollars. I'm glad the administration addressed the concerns I first brought forward in May. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted by paying for Eric Greitens' private attorneys."
