For several weeks in April, I interviewed and considered candidates to fill the Office of the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney. There were many excellent candidates, but one stood out as the best fit for the position and for St. Charles County: Joseph McCulloch.
I recommended him to the County Council and, at their regular meeting on April 24, he was unanimously approved.
Joe McCulloch is an experienced trial attorney with a broad range of experience in criminal law, ranging from traffic offenses to homicide. Prior to becoming an attorney, he served for two decades as a St. Louis City police officer, including assignments to units investigating narcotics and homicides, as well as serving as acting commander. His conservative, law-and-order background makes him, in my opinion, perfect for the job of St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney.
Joe most recently has been in private practice while also serving as a municipal judge. He also has served as a judicial instructor and a member of the St. Charles County Council. I have been impressed with Joe since he was an assistant prosecutor in my courtroom when I was a judge, and I know from working with him when he was a Council member that he has a strong commitment to public safety.
When an elected office in the County government is vacated, the County Charter requires their appointed replacement to come from the same political party. Although Joe was elected as a Democrat during his time on the County Council, he re-aligned his political affiliation as a Republican after the Democratic Party moved away from supporting working people and police officers.
Joe will serve until the next general election in 2024, at which time voters will choose who will serve for the remaining two years of the Prosecuting Attorney’s term of office. I think he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position and will prove to be a strong leader.