County Attorney pleads guilty, agrees to resign from office

TOPEKA - (September 4, 2024) -
The Kansas Attorney General's Office today secured guilty pleas from former Neosho County Attorney Linus Thuston on charges of misuse of public funds and a sales tax violation. A conviction of misuse of public funds requires forfeiture of office. Thuston resigned his position on August 13, 2024.

"There have been many allegations against Mr. Thuston, some criminal and some not. We have charged him with crimes that we have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. All allegations have been referred to the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator to consider whether Thuston's conduct has complied with his ethical duties as an attorney," Associate Deputy Attorney General Jessica Domme said.

After accepting the pleas, Judge Merlin Wheeler sentenced Thuston to serve 30 days in jail followed by 12 months of probation. Thuston was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and $617.50 in restitution. As a special condition of probation, Thuston is prohibited from serving in public office and is prohibited from acting as a fiduciary while on probation.

"Mr. Thuston's conviction should stand as an example to others. No matter who you are or what office you hold, everyone must follow the law," Attorney General Kris Kobach said.

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