Kinder issues statement on Feltner plea, calls for Muschany to resign

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder issued the following statement concerning the guilty plea entered by his former chief of staff Eric Feltner today to charges of attempting to furnish pornographic material to a minor, and the indictment of Rep. Scott Muschany, R-Frontenac, on a felony charge of deviate sexual assault:

“This afternoon, Eric Feltner, a former member of my staff, is pleading guilty to Class A misdemeanor charges in Cole County Court. Mr. Feltner resigned at my immediate request on June 6 when I was notified of the serious charges being levied against him. We have cooperated fully with all inquiries regarding this situation in my office.

“It is my hope that this case will serve as a deterrent for others who would prey on children via the internet and make it clear that there is a zero-tolerance policy in state government for this kind of disgusting behavior.

“This zero tolerance policy is unwavering, which is why I was extremely troubled to learn that Rep. Scott Muschany is facing felony charges for sexual assault of a minor. This alleged misconduct is reprehensible and cannot and will not be tolerated.

“Today, I call on my fellow Republican leaders to join me in calling for Rep. Muschany's immediate resignation from the Missouri House.

“Our public leaders, Republican and Democrat, are not above the law and must be held accountable for their actions. The people of the great state of Missouri demand it.”