Former Randolph County sheriff repotedly says $5,000 check that led to charge was a ‘thank you’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A former Randolph County sheriff who turned himself in Thursday on accusations of stealing a $5,000 check from the county allegedly told investigators that the check was a gift to him.

A warrant was issued for Aaron Wilson on Thursday on a single charge of stealing $750 or more, according to Randolph County Sheriff Andy Boggs.

Boggs said in a statement that he requested the Audrain County Sheriff's Office to investigate a missing check for $5,000 personally given to Wilson in 2024. The check was never deposited into county accounts, Boggs wrote.

The check was written by a business that is not named in public court documents, according to a probable cause statement. The check was reportedly labeled with "Sponsor Fee 25 Randolph."

Wilson cashed or deposited the check at a Moberly bank, the statement says.

Wilson told an investigator that the check was written to him as a "thank you," and that his name was written on it, according to the statement.

The check is tied to a calendar fundraiser that the sheriff's office participated in, according to an audit released by State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick in 2025. Wilson allegedly said the check was written to him to thank him for participation.

Boggs stated this is an independent investigation, and the Randolph County Sheriff's Office will not release additional details.

Cooper County Prosecutor Eric Phelps was assigned as the special prosecutor for the case.

Wilson was taken to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office and released after posting a $5,000 cash bond, according to online court records. A hearing in his case has not been set.

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