Small businesses in Jackson County are looking for a new prosecutor to curb property crime

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Jackson County will have a new prosecutor in the new year. Melesa Johnson defeated Tracy Chappell in the race to succeed Jean Peters Baker as Jackson County's top prosecutor.

Johnson's first term comes at a time when violent and property crimes, particularly in Kansas City, are at record highs.

“Right now it feels like small businesses are under attack,” said Chris Riggins, the owner of Brewer's Kitchen and Corner, which was broken into earlier this year. “Why do people in our city feel so comfortable with this?”

That's a question many Kansas City small businesses want an answer to after a spate of break-ins at popular locations across the city. Companies now look to Johnson for answers.

“We're having money stolen, there's property damage that's causing small businesses like mine to have to make difficult decisions like, 'Which bills should I pay now?' and I don’t like that feeling,” Riggins said.

READ MORE: Melesa Johnson will be Jackson County's next prosecutor

KCTV5 recently reported on not one, but two break-ins at Betty Rae's Ice Cream in the River Market. The owner, Matt Shatto, said he has already contacted the new prosecutor.

“I texted her at 10:30 [Tuesday night] I congratulate her,” Shatto said. “I think at the end of the day we want her to take over as prosecutor. That means prosecuting those who break the law.”

Johnson plans to create a new property crimes unit. In this department, she plans to set up a law student clinic to help prosecutors with such cases.

“What we really need is solutions in the sense that these crimes can actually be prosecuted,” Riggins said. “A lot of times we’re dealing with these small property crimes that have such a low dollar value or such a low priority that we can’t pursue anything further.”

Although changes won't happen overnight, companies told KCTV5 they are cautiously optimistic about the future.

“In speaking with the prosecutor, she was very positive and optimistic about her ability to bring about change,” Shatto said. “Time will tell.”

Johnson will take over as Jackson County Prosecutor's Office on January 1, 2025. She will replace Peters Baker, who is retiring after 13 years in office.

During her tenure, Peters Baker had a difficult relationship with the Kansas City police at times. However, her office says it files charges in almost all property crime cases police receive. A majority of reported break-ins and break-ins are never reported to their office.

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