BELLE — Maries County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony (Tony) Skouby said in a March 16 press release that Sheriff Mark Morgan filed a complaint against him with the Missouri Bar Association, which Skouby believes was done in retaliation for charges filed against former deputy Erican Sugg.

The press release said, “Less than one week after I charged Erican Sugg with assaulting an elderly gentleman from Belle, and in retaliation for doing my job, Sheriff Morgan filed a bar complaint against me. His complaint, in my opinion, demonstrates his incompetence and is consistent with the pattern of bullying he has demonstrated as our Sheriff. I am deeply disappointed that Sheriff Morgan has chosen to escalate our differences of views into a personal attack on my professional responsibilities. I respect and appreciate each and every police officer, deputy and patrolman who faithfully and bravely serves the citizens of Marie’s County. Sheriff Morgan’s complaint is without legal foundation and I fully expect the matter to be resolved as unfounded. It is a privilege to be your prosecutor and I look forward to serving you as such in the future.”

In a phone interview on March 16, Skouby said, “I’m trying to look out for the citizens of Maries County and I will not be bullied.”

Skouby said the complaint to the Missouri Bar was filed shortly after charges were brought against former Maries County deputy Erican Sugg. He said he believes the complaint was retaliatory and reflects an ongoing disagreement between his office and the sheriff’s office over how certain matters have been handled.

Skouby said, “How come he didn’t come talk to me about this, like he said to the paper that the judge should have came to him?”