BELLE — Mayor Daryl White, Jr. on Monday requested and received a second extension through business hours on Tuesday, July 18, to submit the city’s response to allegations of Sunshine Law violations to the office of Jay Turner, director of Sunshine Law compliance, after receiving a 10-day extension.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baily’s Office confirmed the mayor wanted to share the completed letter with the board of aldermen before its submission.

Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman submitted allegations in December 2022 that the city had violated Sunshine Law to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The city was asked by Turner on June 19 to respond to the allegations and had until July 6 to do so. However, White requested a 10-day extension of the deadline due to health issues of board members. The city was granted until July 17. The mayor requested a one-day extension for board members to view the letter before it is submitted.

A request for comment was made to Madeline Sieren, director of communications for the Attorney General’s Office on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, but was not returned by deadline.

A second investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) regarding missing city of Belle court funds has failed to yield charges.

According to Maries County Prosecutor Tony Skouby, the MSHP has submitted the completed investigation.

“An investigation was done  into the missing court funds,” Skouby said. “We don’t have enough evidence to prosecute anyone for a crime. I have not been provided with sufficient evidence.”