Kansas City, MO (September 29, 2020) – After the editorial printed in the Kansas City Star detailing claims of alleged abuses made by children and the former spouse of candidate Rick Roeber, Missouri Democratic Party Acting Chair Clem Smith released the following statement:

“The alleged acts of abuse are truly horrific. Our thoughts are with the survivors, we hope they have been able to get the help needed to heal from these traumas.”

“An elected official is supposed to take responsibility for their actions. The stories of Rick Roeber’s family detailed by the Star tell a consistent pattern of behavior. Behavior unfit for office. The alleged acts of abuse cannot be taken lightly or cast aside. Rick Roeber owes his family, the survivors, and his potential constituents a full explanation, not sidestepping these serious matters. The House Republican Caucus and Missouri Republican Party must do what is right, to denounce Rick Roeber and refuse to seat him if he is elected in November.”



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Background:

KC STAR: “Missouri House candidate’s adult children say he physically and sexually abused them”

“But Anastasia Roeber of Lee’s Summit, Roeber’s adopted daughter, says he made improper sexual advances toward her in 1990, when she was 9 years old.”

“A sibling, Samson Roeber of New York City, said he suffered physical abuse from Roeber as a child. He was not sexually molested, but ‘my father’s always been physically abusive,’ he said. ‘He had a temper.’”

“A third sibling, Gabrielle Galeano, says she was aware of the alleged abuse while living with Anastasia, Samson and another sibling. That fourth sibling later claimed sexual maltreatment from Roeber, an allegation investigated by the state of Missouri.”

“Their memories are clear and consistent. The claims were examined in a sworn deposition almost two decades ago, long before Roeber, a Republican, decided to pursue elective office.”

“Keller said the fourth sibling, who did not agree to speak to The Star on the record, claimed sexual abuse by Roeber. In that case, after an investigation had been completed, the Jackson County office of the Division of Family Services in 2001 found probable cause that “sexual maltreatment” of the child had occurred.”