John I. Jones, IV

Prosecuting Attorney

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (WCPAO) represents the people of Washington County in state criminal prosecutions and advises County officeholders in various civil matters. WCPAO does NOT prosecute municipal tickets or infractions. When law enforcement agencies refer state charges for prosecution, WCPAO reviews reports and makes a charging decision, then prosecutes all charged cases through completion, ranging from dismissal through negotiated pleas and including full jury trials. WCPAO seeks to ensure victims’ rights are protected and victims’ voices are heard through the court process, and above all strives to enforce the law in Washington County.

WCPAO also collects restitution for crime victims, represents the Department of Revenue in selected matters, and advises the County Commission and various County officeholders in legal matters. Though WCPAO is the state-level prosecution agency for the county, it receives no funding from the State of Missouri and is a county-funded agency, consisting of one full-time prosecutor, one part-time prosecutor, and four administrative staff. All inquiries for case status should be accompanied by case number or investigative agency report number if possible.