A three-term state lawmaker has resigned from the Missouri House amid charges of stealing and campaign finance violations.
St. Louis County Democrat Steve Webb announced the resignation in a statement Monday as lawmakers opened a special session. Webb said he believes the criminal charges "will work themselves out," but that he didn't want his colleagues and constituents to be harmed by the distraction of his legal challenges.
Webb faces one felony charge of stealing by deceit for soliciting money on behalf of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus that he is accused of transferring to himself. He also faces seven misdemeanor charges of campaign finance violations, including mixing campaign contributions with personal funds and converting campaign money to personal use.
Webb was chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus in 2011.