13-03-2025
Camden County commissioner creates fundraiser to pay for his criminal defense
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. – Camden County Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton has started an online fundraiser to pay for his legal defense, according to the site GiveSendGo.
Ozarks First Investigates confirmed that Skelton started the fundraiser himself, as the website states.
As our investigative team previously reported, Skelton is charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor over accusations he removed a License Plate Reader camera on Highway 54 in Camden County after the county commission banned LPR Cameras, more commonly known as Flock Cameras.
However, the county's ordinance banning Flock Cameras did not apply to cameras placed on state-operated highways like Highway 54.
Camden County officials have long been at odds over the use of the surveillance technology. Skelton has been outspoken about his opposition to Flock Cameras, citing privacy concerns. However, the Camden County Sheriff's Office supports these cameras to help track down criminal suspects.
'Although I believe I could justify using taxpayer dollars for my defense, I also believe it would be best NOT to ask the taxpayers to fund my defense because I know some of them do not believe in what I have done,' Skelton wrote in the description for the fundraiser.
The fundraising goal for his legal defense fund is set at $50,000.
Camden County administrators have not responded to our requests asking whether Skelton will maintain his role as presiding commissioner in light of the criminal charges he faces.
The initial court appearance is set for April 11 at 9 a.m. in Camden County.
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