ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — In the midst of a legal battle over possible perjury committed by her office during the Eric Greitens case, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner goes to City Hall to ask for more money.
Gardner appeared before the Aldermanic Budget Committee, requesting an extra $540,000 be added to her budget — money she says she needs for more security, staffing, technology upgrades and legal bills.
Some aldermen zeroed in on the rising cost to taxpayers of Gardner's use of outside lawyers, both for the Greitens case and the resulting perjury probe.
Alderman Joe Vaccaro clashed with Gardner.
"What were the numbers in the Greitens case? How much did we spend?" Vaccaro said.
"I'll get that number to you," Gardner said.
"You told me that a year ago. You should know. You should have an idea," Vaccaro responded.
"I don't have it off the top of my head. I don't want to give you the wrong number," Gardner replied.
Asked what the cost so far to taxpayers is for her outside lawyers in the perjury probe, Gardner refused to give details, claiming the case is "ongoing."
Gardner is under a gag order not to talk about the case, but it's not clear whether that precludes her from talking about the cost of the case.
Some aldermen voiced their support for Gardner. Alderwoman Tamika Hubbard spoke out, saying the previous Circuit Attorney, Jennifer Joyce, also hired outside lawyers, but no one complained about that.
Alderman John Collins Muhammad said he believes Gardner should get all the money she's asking for.
"I think you're doing a fantastic job," Muhammad said.
"Appreciate that," Gardner said.
Gardner herself spoke of the troubles she has faced in office, revealing that her personal safety may be at risk.
"With the increased attacks on all our offices around this country in terms of the vitriol, specifically on my office — that I receive hate mail, as well as we receive threats every day," Gardner said.
Gardner portrayed herself as a reformer whose legal problems have drawn fire from her political foes.
A special grand jury has been meeting for months investigating allegations that a member of Gardner's team lied under oath during a deposition in the Greitens case. Greitens' lawyers also accused Gardner herself of knowing about the perjury and encouraging it. She has denied any wrongdoing.
During the budget hearing, Gardner touted the success of her diversion program, saying some 600 people are getting treatment and counseling, rather than jail, and all but a few are staying out of trouble.
She also spoke of the challenges of running an office where assistant circuit attorneys come out of law school with six-figure debts and earn about $50,000 a year. Many, she says, stay for just a few years to get experience, and then leave for better paying jobs elsewhere.
The committee must decide on the budget before the new fiscal year starts July 1.