Audio reveals where no-show Missouri politician really lived

BRIDGETON, Mo. — FOX 2 obtained an audio recording by which a politician says he lived in Illinois whereas representing residents in Missouri.

In a recorded listening to, Andrew Purcell answered the place he actually lived whereas getting paid to symbolize residents in Bridgeton as a councilman. It’s worse than taxpayers feared.

Our unique reporting started Wednesday when Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs first informed us about the issue saying, “Is that like stealing? You’re solely purported to be paid if you happen to proceed to serve.”

Briggs just lately realized Purcell wasn’t residing within the space he was being paid to serve. The mayor realized of a November 2021 voter registration, displaying Purcell registered to vote in Carterville, Illinois, and stopped displaying up for his council conferences at about that very same time.

“That’s one of many issues we’re investigating proper now,” stated Briggs. “The law enforcement officials are going over to Illinois the place he established one other residence simply to confirm that he did set up that residence.”

It seems Purcell, who nonetheless seems on a pre-printed 2022 Bridgeton calendar, was concurrently attempting to run for Williamson County commissioner 140 miles away.

When election authorities there realized Purcell was already a Bridgeton councilman, Purcell tried to defend himself in an electoral board assembly. FOX 2 obtained the audio of Purcell saying in his personal phrases the place he’s actually lived.

“My argument can be that the suitable treatment shouldn’t be to take me off the poll right here in Williamson County, however the applicable treatment must be in Bridgeton, Missouri,” stated Purcell. “It’s my rivalry, beneath oath, that I’m a resident of Williamson County and have been since March 1 of 2021”

Purcell stated the proof is in a utility invoice from March 2021, with an deal with on Timber Path in Carterville, Illinois, and a signed lease settlement dated March 1, 2021.

Purcell continued through the listening to, “Look, I’m a resident of Williamson County. I’ve been for greater than a 12 months previous the election, and whereas there could also be an moral dilemma between me sitting on that board whereas I’m not residing in Bridgeton, I believe that’s a treatment for Bridgeton and that’s not grounds to take away me from the poll right here in Williamson County.”

Purcell admits on the audio he by no means resigned his place as Bridgeton Councilman, persevering with to attract a $500 a month wage that might add as much as about $6000 throughout that point. The Williamson County election board didn’t permit him on the poll there. Andrew Purcell has not picked up any of my ten cellphone calls to his mobile phone, which has included a number of voicemail messages.

Our subsequent cease seems to be the place he says he says he lives in Carterville, Illinois.