A recent audit of former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner's tenure has unveiled a pattern of mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and neglect of her official duties. The 71-page report, released by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, substantiates claims that Gardner prioritized personal pursuits over her responsibilities as a prosecutor.

The audit discovered that Gardner spent approximately seven weeks of business hours pursuing a nurse practitioner certification at Saint Louis University. Fitzpatrick directly attributed the office's dysfunction to Gardner's failure to prioritize her role as circuit attorney. This pursuit of outside education coincided with a period of high staff turnover, a decline in case filings and closures, and questionable use of taxpayer money.

Kim Gardner attended nursing classes during work hours while serving as St. Louis Circuit Attorney. (Adobe Stock)

The audit also revealed over $58,000 in public funds were allocated to non-essential expenses, including flowers, a DJ, car detailing services, an office picnic, a chili cookout, and Gardner's personal legal fees. While Gardner justified her nurse practitioner studies as an effort to integrate mental health awareness into her office, critics point to her membership in a progressive prosecutor movement that often prioritized diversion programs and police accountability over traditional law enforcement practices.

Then-St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner speaking in St. Louis in a January 13, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Jim Salter)

Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner (right) and Harvard law professor Ronald Sullivan arriving at the Civil Courts building on May 14, 2018. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Fitzpatrick emphasized the audit's findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of Gardner's leadership on the office and its subsequent recovery following her resignation. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability for public officials, particularly in the handling of taxpayer funds. Republican leaders, who frequently clashed with Gardner over her low homicide conviction rate and strained relationship with law enforcement, have echoed these concerns.