Daily: Why did it take attorney general so long to file charges against former Neosho police officer?

The Neosho Daily News asked the question I haven't seen mentioned in any venue other than this blog- Why did it take so long for Attorney General Jay Nixon to file charges against former Neosho police officer Justin Pickup in connection with the death of 16-year-old Kassie Schenck on Dec. 20?

In the article, written by Daily Editor John Ford and reporter Wes Franklin, the question is posed to Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland:

Copeland told the Neosho Daily News Thursday he couldn't explain why it took the attorney general's office five months to file charges against Pickup.

"It really upsets me that the family had to wait so long for this," he said. "We had our investigation wrapped up in just a few days. I don't know why the system dragged its feet this long. I can't explain it.

"Certainly, we hope justice will be done. But nothing will bring Kassie back."

Now is the time for someone to ask the attorney general the same question and another one. Why did it take so long and why was Pickup only charged with a misdemeanor?