JEFFERSON CITY - In a clear case of legal negligence, Jay Nixon failed to properly handle basic evidence which has put in jeopardy a civil case in which hard-working Missouri ranchers were allegedly duped out of thousands of dollars in a cattle pricing scheme.

The civil case being poorly prosecuted by Nixon involves MJL Cattle Company and several individuals who allegedly used deceptive business practices in the sale of cattle to buyers in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

But evidence obtained in the subpoena could be at risk after Howard County Judge Michael Midyett last week threatened sanctions against Nixon for obtaining evidence through the subpoena without informing the defendants’ attorneys in a timely manner. Characterizing Nixon’s actions as a serious mistake, the judge indicated the sanctions could include disallowing the evidence obtained through the subpoena. Midyett said he would announce the sanctions against Nixon on May 25.

“It is simply unacceptable that Jay Nixon’s negligence and ignorance of basic legal procedures could very well jeopardize a case in which hard-working Missouri ranchers are seeking justice,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “Nixon’s substandard handling of this case raises serious questions about whether he is spending more time running for governor than he is representing the rights of Missouri ranchers.”

Details of the case can be found on the Boonville Daily News website at: http://www.boonvilledailynews.com/articles/2007/05/18/news/news2.txt