Kansas City Welcomes New Prosecutor Amid Crime Surge
Kansas City is about to see a change at the top of the Jackson County prosecutor’s office. Melesa Johnson has emerged victorious in the recent election, defeating Tracy Chappell in a race to step into the shoes of Jean Peters Baker, who is retiring after 13 impressive years. As Johnson prepares to take office on January 1, 2025, she will be stepping into a hot seat where violent and property crimes have reached alarming rates, particularly in the heart of Kansas City.
A City Under Pressure
Residents, especially small business owners, are feeling the strain as they grapple with the escalating crime wave. Chris Riggins, the owner of Brewer’s Kitchen and Corner, shared his frustration after experiencing a break-in earlier this year. “Right now, it feels like small businesses are under attack,” he said. Riggins questioned why criminal activity seems to be on the rise, leaving them to confront tough financial decisions. “We are having money stolen from us, and property damage is pushing small businesses like mine into a corner. It’s unsettling,” he added.
Business Owners Seek Solutions
The surge in burglaries at businesses throughout Kansas City has left many owners looking to Johnson for solutions. Notably, the acclaimed Betty Rae’s Ice Cream has endured not one, but two break-ins, frustrating its owner, Matt Shatto. He reached out to the new prosecutor with a congratulatory message soon after her election. “I shot her a text message at 10:30 [Tuesday night] telling her congratulations,” Shatto said. His hopes are clear: “What we want her to do is the job of the prosecutor, which is to prosecute those that break the law.”
Innovative Plans Ahead
Johnson has already outlined her vision for battling property crimes as she embarks on this new role. One of her ambitious plans is to introduce a Property Crimes Division, aimed specifically at addressing these pressing issues. Additionally, she intends to launch a Law Student Clinic that will assist prosecutors in tackling these cases more effectively. “What we really need are solutions,” Riggins expressed, emphasizing the need for real attention to lower-value crimes that often fly under the radar. “A lot of times, these small property crimes are too low priority to pursue anything, and that’s frustrating.”
A Glimmer of Hope
While immediate change might seem out of reach, there’s a feeling of cautious optimism among local business owners. Shatto remarked about his interactions with Johnson, noting that “she is very positive and upbeat about her ability to make change.” Still, like many others, he acknowledges that time will tell how effective these initiatives will be.
Transitioning Leadership
As Melesa Johnson gears up for her first term, she aims to build a working relationship with the Kansas City Police Department, a relationship that has seen its fair share of bumps in the past. In her predecessor’s tenure, it has been reported that while almost all property crime cases were filed by the prosecutor’s office, many reported break-ins and burglaries were never referred to them at all.
The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter with Johnson in charge, and Kansas City residents are hoping for a more proactive approach to crime as they look to the future.
As the new year approaches, many in Kansas City are eager to see how the incoming prosecutor will address the issues plaguing their community and how her leadership might breathe new life into the fight against crime.
