Following the recent passing of Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd, the Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Platte County named Zahnd’s longtime First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson as Interim Prosecuting Attorney, pursuant to Missouri law governing vacancies in office.
Gibson will serve as Interim Prosecuting Attorney until Governor Kehoe appoints a permanent replacement, as state law provides.
The appointment will ensure continuity of leadership, the orderly operation of the office and the uninterrupted administration of justice during this transition period.
Prosecutor-Elect Tony Luetkemeyer said, “Eric Zahnd built a Prosecuting Attorney’s Office defined by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice. Mark served alongside Eric for over 20 years and understands both the important work of the office and the high standards Eric established. I am very grateful for Mark’s willingness to lead during this difficult time and fully confident in his ability to provide the stability and continuity the office needs. We will honor Eric’s legacy by ensuring that his life’s work continues, that victims and law enforcement remain fully supported, and that the people of Platte County continue to receive the strong and effective representation they deserve.”
“Eric’s passing is a profound loss for our office, the people who work here in the office and our community. My thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Gibson said. “I am committed to honoring his legacy by ensuring the work of this office continues without interruption. The people of Platte County can count on me, our attorneys, and our staff to continue carrying out their responsibilities with the same integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice they have come to expect.”
Missouri law assigns the Presiding Judge of the Platte County Circuit Court the responsibility for naming an interim prosecuting attorney when a vacancy occurs. This appointment allows the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to continue operating without interruption while Governor Kehoe considers a permanent appointment.
