HICKORY COUNTY, Mo. —
On October 20, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Hickory County Treasurer Kenneth Ratliff with one count of distribution of child pornography. The indictment was filed in the United States District Court. The County is not a party to the federal case. Also on October 20, 2026, the federal court entered an order directing that Mr. Ratliff be detained pending trial. Questions regarding the federal case should be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office.
Separately, on October 20, 2026, a petition for a writ of quo warranto was filed against Mr. Ratliff in the Circuit Court of Hickory County in Case No. 26HI-CC00037. The petition seeks his immediate removal from the office of Hickory County Treasurer. The petition will be decided by the Circuit Court.
The federal indictment and the state-court petition contain allegations only. An indictment is not evidence of guilt, and Mr. Ratliff is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Circuit Court has not ruled on the requested removal from office. Because these matters are pending, the County will not comment further.
To ensure the continued operation of the Treasurer’s Office, the Hickory County Commission has appointed former Hickory County Clerk Jeanne Lindsey to serve as deputy treasurer pursuant to Section 54.033, RSMo.
Hickory County Commission
