Missouri Mayor Charged for Allegedly Stealing $18,000 Skid Steer from Deceased Resident’s Estate

In a stunning development for the small town of St. Mary, Missouri, Mayor Adam Bequette is facing criminal charges after allegedly having city workers seize a $18,000 skid steer—a heavy equipment machine—from the property of a recently deceased man. The incident has raised serious ethical questions about the use of municipal authority and respect for grieving families.

What Happened

• The man, who passed away in March, left the skid steer to his two adult children. When they returned to his property two months later, they discovered the machinery was missing.

• According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s probable cause statement, Bequette allegedly ordered city staff to remove the skid steer, claiming it was blocking city water lines and asserting that he’d attempted to contact the family beforehand.

• Yet investigators found no evidence that the machine was obstructing any infrastructure or that any attempt had been made to notify the heirs.

• The skid steer was ultimately found at a city facility and returned to the family.

Official Response & Next Steps

Bequette is formally charged with stealing and tampering with a motor vehicle. So far, he has not entered a plea, and it’s unclear whether he’ll retain his mayoral duties during the legal process.

This case raises pressing concerns about abuse of power and misuse of public resources. Local residents are now watching closely as the investigation proceeds and the community engages in a broader conversation about ethical governance.

Bottom Line

St. Mary’s mayor is under criminal scrutiny for allegedly seizing valuable equipment that belonged to a grieving family, based on unverified claims. The investigation continues, and the outcome could have lasting implications for local leadership and accountability.