By Jennifer S. Mann jmann
ST. LOUIS • A veteran St. Louis
police officer was suspended and two prosecutors left their jobs this week amid
internal and criminal investigations into allegations of misconduct.
Police and prosecutors would
not reveal the reason behind those developments, citing the ongoing inquiries.
Sources say the officer at the
center of the investigation is Detective Thomas A. Carroll, a 25-year veteran
of the department.
A police spokesperson confirmed
in a statement Friday that allegations of officer misconduct reached the
department July 25 via the circuit attorney’s office. The police statement
continued:
“The department immediately
launched both an internal and criminal investigation. One officer has been
suspended without pay. The Department holds its employees to a high standard,
therefore, we take these allegations seriously. We are committed to upholding
the public’s trust in their police department. The investigation is ongoing,
and the department is unable to make any further comments.”
The Post-Dispatch learned that
two assistant circuit attorneys, Bliss Worrell and Katherine Dierdorf, left
their jobs in connection with the situation.
Worrell, who has been with the
prosecutor’s office since August 2013, is the daughter-in-law of former St.
Louis Cardinals pitcher Todd Worrell. Dierdorf, who has been with the office
since February, is the daughter of former St. Louis Cardinals football player
and broadcaster Dan Dierdorf.
Efforts to reach Carroll,
Worrell and Dierdorf were unsuccessful Friday.
Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce
issued a statement: “When we learned of these serious allegations, we
immediately referred the matter to the appropriate authorities. Due to the fact
that this is an open investigation, we are unable to discuss the matter
further.”
