Kevin Atwood, Receiving Stolen Property, Missouri 2020

Glasgow, MO – Former Glasgow City Administrator and Police Chief Kevin Atwood has been penalized for using a city credit card for personal purchases, a case brought forth by the Missouri Attorney General’s office. The investigation revealed Atwood engaged in a scheme to acquire goods for himself using city funds, ultimately leading to a felony charge of receiving stolen property.

Atwood, who held positions of public trust within the small Missouri town, allegedly misused the city-issued credit card over an unspecified period. While the specifics of the purchased items haven’t been publicly detailed, the Attorney General’s office successfully argued that Atwood knowingly possessed and utilized funds obtained through unlawful means, constituting a clear violation of state law.

The case, while seemingly localized, highlights a troubling trend of public officials abusing their positions for personal gain. Experts note that even in smaller municipalities, robust oversight and internal controls are crucial to prevent such misuse of funds. The lack of immediate detection within Glasgow’s system raised questions about the effectiveness of existing financial checks and balances.

On August 27, 2020, Atwood was sentenced following the investigation. He was ordered to pay a criminal fine of $500 and provide full restitution in the amount of $2,787 to the City of Glasgow. However, the penalties extended beyond financial repercussions. Perhaps the most significant consequence of the conviction was the permanent revocation of Atwood’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification. This effectively ends any future career path in law enforcement for Atwood.

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Legal Ramifications

Atwood was convicted under Missouri state law for felony receiving stolen property. The specific statute violated has not been publicly released, but receiving stolen property generally involves knowingly possessing items obtained through criminal activity. The penalties for this crime in Missouri can range from imprisonment to substantial fines, depending on the value of the stolen property. In Atwood’s case, the court opted for a financial penalty and loss of professional certification, suggesting the value of the misappropriated funds, while significant enough to warrant a felony charge, may have fallen within a lower range for sentencing considerations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Kevin Atwood
Crime: Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
State: Missouri
Year: 2020
Penalties: $500 Fine, $2,787 Restitution
Additional Penalty: Permanent surrender of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) license

The Glasgow City Council has not yet released a statement regarding the incident, but sources within the town indicate a review of internal financial procedures is underway. This case serves as a stark reminder that accountability is paramount, even within the smallest of communities, and that abuse of public trust will not be tolerated.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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