ST. LOUIS • Missouri state Rep. Steve Webb, who faces charges of in campaign funds, has resigned from the Legislature.
“Today is a tough day for me personally. But, this job is never about oneself,†Webb, D-Florissant, said in an emailed statement shortly before 5 p.m. Monday.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Missouri’s 67th District.â€
The statement continues: “I’ve enjoyed this opportunity because it’s given me a platform to be a voice for common, everyday people. My commitment to serving others goes far beyond political office.
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“I strongly believe that the allegations against me will work themselves out. It’s only right and fair that my family, the people and my colleagues not be negatively be impacted by the distractions these legal challenges present.
“With that being said, it’s with a heavy heart that I will be resigning my office effective immediately.â€
The surprise announcement comes almost a month after Webb defiantly refused to step down under pressure from Democratic Party leaders.
“There are no plans for me to resign,†Webb told the Post-Dispatch in an email Nov. 7, the day he turned himself in.
He remains free on a $10,000 recognizance bond.
Webb, 38, is a former chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. ºüÀêÊÓƵ County prosecutors say that on Sept. 19, 2011, Webb solicited a $3,000 donation from Community Loans of America to sponsor a black caucus reception in Washington. He transferred the money to a personal account for his own use, prosecutors say.
A grand jury will consider this week whether to indict Webb on the felony theft charge.
In addition, Webb faces several misdemeanor charges of allegedly failing to report thousands of dollars in campaign funds; of converting thousands more for personal use; and of spending more than $40,000 in violation of campaign spending limits.
To replace Webb, Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, will have to call a special election. It could come as early as March. Missouri has no law allowing parties to replace legislative vacancies except with an election.
Christine Byers of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.