Jonathan Shorman

News-Leader

Court documents and a local business owner appear to contradict a statement made by Nixa statehouse candidate Michael Hope, whose wife has been charged with passing a bad check and is a suspect in a felony stealing probe.

More:Records of allegations against Jonica Hope

Michael Hope's statement, made after a News-Leader story about problems for Hope's wife, Jonica, criticizes the story and takes issue with it after the fact; the Hope family had declined to speak to a reporter before the story was published. Jonica Hope is playing an active role in her husband's campaign, including through fundraising at their home, and has been politically involved in the past.

The News-Leader first reported Monday that Jonica Hope has been charged with passing a bad check and has been named a suspect in an investigation of stealing by deceit at Journal Broadcast Group, where she worked. On Tuesday, Michael Hope issued his statement defending his wife that says in part:

"Let me set the record straight on two issues. The first concerns a check that was returned due to non-sufficient funds in our account. That did happen, it was inadvertent, and as soon as we learned of it, we corrected it," the statement said.

However, court documents and an interview with the alleged victim paint a different picture.

Jonica Hope was charged in June in Greene County Circuit Court with passing a bad check in December. The charge, a class A misdemeanor, was filed by assistant prosecuting attorney Justin Stanek. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Wan, speaking generally to explain the criminal statute involved, said the charge indicates a defendant would have known a check was bad at the time he or she wrote it.

The charge reads: "the defendant, with the purpose to defraud, passed check #1077 in the amount of $103.29, drawn upon US Bank, payable to Mattress Outlet, knowing that it would not be paid."

That wording is at odds with Michael Hope's "inadvertent" comment.

A probable cause statement filed in support of the charge by Mattress Outlet owner Sheila Algiere says the check was returned unpaid and marked "unlocate acct" — meaning the bank could not locate the account associated with the check.

The check was allegedly passed on Dec. 20. Algiere signed the probable cause statement on Dec. 31.

In his statement, Michael Hope said the issue with the check had been corrected. Algiere, speaking briefly with the News-Leader, said "nobody has corrected anything" and that she has not been paid by the Hopes.

Michael Hope's statement also took issue with the News-Leader's reporting that his wife is a suspect in the investigation of alleged stealing by deceit.

"The second issue is a despicable allegation against Jonica reported yesterday in a local paper. This allegation is false," Michael Hope's statement said.

The News-Leader based its reporting — in part — on a Springfield police report. Filed in November, the report says stealing by deceit at the broadcast group occurred between September and November. The report, which can be viewed online with this story, names Jonica Hope as the suspect.

The broadcast group operates several Springfield radio stations, including KSGF and KTTS.

Asked about the stealing investigation, Springfield police spokeswoman Lisa Cox said police sent a felony case report to prosecutors May 27 to review for consideration of possible charges.

The Hope campaign has been resistant to speaking with the News-Leader before the initial story and again Wednesday. Jonica Hope was contacted Wednesday by the News-Leader and asked if she or her husband would answer questions about Michael Hope's statement. She kept repeating that the News-Leader would have to talk with her husband.

However, Michael Hope posted his statement — which included strong criticism of the News-Leader — on his campaign Facebook page. A reporter followed up by posting a comment to Michael Hope's campaign Facebook page asking either Michael or Jonica to contact the paper. The campaign replied: "Have you posted his response?" and then both the reporter's comment and the response were deleted. A second comment by the reporter again seeking contact was also deleted.

Michael Hope, a Republican, is running for state representative in the 139th district, which is currently represented by Kevin Elmer. Elmer is not running for re-election.

In addition to being active in her husband's campaign, Jonica Hope has previous political experience. She served as a field director for Todd Akin's 2012 Senate campaign.

Assistant Managing Editor David Iseman contributed to this story.

Here's the full statement from Michael Hope

Over the last couple of days my campaign has been subject to a series of inquiries, not about the issues important to the voters in House District 139, but instead about an unwarranted attack against my wife, Jonica.

Let me set the record straight on two issues. The first concerns a check that was returned due to non-sufficient funds in our account. That did happen, it was inadvertent, and as soon as we learned of it, we corrected it. The second issue is a despicable allegation against Jonica reported yesterday in a local paper. This allegation is false.

We all know that campaigns can be tough and I expect this one will be as well. What we should not tolerate, however, is subjecting a candidate's family to abuse for political gain.

Running for office should be an honorable process, not a race into the gutter. As a husband and a father, I am not going to allow my wife to be slandered. I am perfectly willing to debate the issues and have my record scrutinized. But it is a sad commentary when good people won't run for office because the process becomes intolerable. Its disgraceful and it should stop.

I think the voters deserve better. My campaign will be one of honor and respect. Moreover, my campaign will continue to be focused on the issues that matter to the people in our district and their families. I will fight for jobs, economic freedom, growth, and against over-intrusive government.

If you agree with me that elections should be about issues and not slanderous attacks, I am asking for your continued support and prayers.

Please visit MichaelHopeforMissouri.org to contact the campaign or for more information.