Former Callaway County sheriff testifies that he is now sober during license hearing

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism testified before the state's public safety director Monday in a hearing to decide the future of his peace officer's license.

Chism was removed from office in June after county officials confronted him about buying and drinking liquor on the job that month. 

He was arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated in Randolph County in October 2022. Chism was charged with DWI and resisting arrest but the prosecutor dropped the resisting charge when Chism pleaded guilty in December 2023.

The DWI charge can be dropped if Chism successfully completes his two-year probation for that charge.

The state’s Administrative Hearing Commission decided on Feb. 16 that there was enough evidence for the Department of Public Safety to take action against Chism’s license. Both Chism’s attorney and the Department of Public Safety agreed that Chism had on at least three occasions been caught or confronted for drinking alcohol.

In Monday's hearing, Chism admitted to these actions but said he has now gone through treatment and has no desire to drink.

"This has been a life changer," Chism said. "I had an impeccable record until these incidents, and I'm just looking to get them behind me."

His attorney, James Towey, presented certificates of completion for alcohol treatment programs including the state's Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program and a Lincoln Recovery program in Illinois.

Assistant attorney general, John Lewis, on behalf of the state, pointed out there has been no sort of mental health treatment as a part of these programs.

Chism said he is continuing weekly sessions with a Columbia-based licensed counselor, John Golden, and is going through a church-based recovery program called Celebrate Recovery. Chism said he is paying for these out of his own pocket.

"I'm proud to be sober," Chism said. "I have not consumed any alcohol since June of 2023."

Chism's attorney said his drinking phase was out of character, but said he has admitted there should be some form of discipline. He asked the director for Chism to be placed on five years' probation and if Chism does face a suspension, for him to be given credit for the seven months he has already been on suspended status.

"This is a person who has done everything right his entire life until he found himself off the white horse that the's been able to ride proudly his whole life," Towey said. " ... and so this is about redemption."

Lewis asked the director to pose the level of discipline she sees as appropriate.

It is now up to DPS Director Sandy Karsten to decide what punishment that might be, which could include revocation of Chism's license.

According to the state's disciplinary process, the director may probate, suspend or permanently revoke Chism's peace officer's license. A decision is typically made within 30 days of the hearing.

Aside from Chism, three witnesses testified on his behalf, including Callaway County Commissioner Randall Kleindienst.

In witness statements, people said Chism's drinking was out of character and also had not been noticeable while he was working as sheriff.

Chism's attorney asked him if he felt he was able to do the work of the county while in his condition at the time, and Chism answered yes. He also answered yes when Towey asked him if he understands it's not an ideal scenario for an employee to be drinking on the job.

Chism told Lewis there was potential for his actions to negatively affect the county's business, but they did not.

Kleindienst said he has known Chism since he was a teenager and believed he conducted himself the way a sheriff should. He said if he had known about Chism's drinking, he would've spoken to Chism about it.

Kleindenst also said he would not have any issue voting for Chism as his sheriff, but said that decision needs to be left up to the voters.

Other witnesses who testified on Chism's behalf included Kathleen Willis, a business owner in Callaway County, and Golden, the licensed social worker that Chism is continuing to see weekly. Golden said Chism has shown a real investment in his progress and his recovery has been "excellent."

The department of public safety said it cannot comment on the issue. Chism's attorney did not reply to a request for comment.