Changes made to hiring policy in public defender’s office, inspired by Spears controversy

KSNF/KODE — In 2016 David Spears was hired by the Missouri State Public Defender's Office in St. Louis County.

That was just one year after he got out of prison for playing a role in the rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

After initially confessing to raping and murdering Ford, Spears pleaded guilty to lesser charges of child endangerment and hindering prosecution.

In 2020, after a brief hiatus, Spears was again hired at the West Plains Public Defender's Office, where he currently works.

State Representative Lane Roberts says while he does believe in second chances, this case is a little different.

"In this case, however, we're talking about the homicide of a nine-year-old girl and the person who should have protected her. Not only was he defended by the Public Defender's Office, but now is being rewarded with a job. It is that relational element that makes this so offensive on its face," said State Representative Lane Roberts.

Following our investigation, Roberts wrote a letter signed by 15 other lawmakers demanding the commission that governs the Public Defender's Office fire David Spears and change its policy on hiring those convicted of a felony offense.

Wednesday, part of that list was taken care of.

"First of all, the policy we just passed would've prevented the hiring of Mr. Spears. So, we've already... if we were going back to 2014, this policy has already addressed that issue in part," said Charles Atwell, Board Chair.

After very precise deliberations, commissioners changed the procedure to now require members of the commission, along with the director and general counsel, to sign off on hiring an individual who pled guilty or was found guilty of a felony.

"Other change is it adds as a factor whether employment by MSPD of the individual would adversely affect any other MSPD client," said Greg Mermelstein, Deputy Director/General Counsel.

For Roberts, the changes are a step in the right direction, but to fire David Spears from his job is another issue.

"Somebody made a decision to hire him. What do you do? It should never happen again at the very least. What they do with him, I think, is a challenge," said Roberts.

Roberts says Spears has certain rights as an employee, and if those are violated, it could lead to a costly legal battle.