Former Callaway sheriff who pleaded guilty to DWI has nearly $12,000 on hand for 2024 campaign

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

A sheriff who was removed from his position last year has nearly $12,000 on hand for a 2024 campaign.

Clay Chism has an active campaign committee for the Callaway County sheriff’s race in August. Chism has $11,761.89 on hand, according to a Missouri Ethics Commission’s quarterly campaign finance report for January. The report was filed on Friday.

Chism has not received a donation since May 2023, according to Friday's and previous filings. Chism had $840 in expenses during the period for this recent filing. That money was paid to Seal Rite in Auxvasse on Oct. 5. The cited purpose was for a reimbursement for an LLC Check, according to the report.

Chism was removed from his position as Callaway County Sheriff in June after his peace officer’s license was suspended, amid allegations of drinking and buying alcohol while on the job. His license remains suspended.

Darryl Maylee was appointed interim sheriff. Maylee is also listed as the treasurer for Chism’s campaign on the Missouri Ethics Commission’s website.  

Chism is the only person with an active campaign for the Callaway County Sheriff’s race.

Chism pleaded guilty in December to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated in Randolph County. He was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation. He was originally charged with DWI and resisting arrest.

An Administrative Hearing Commission was set for Jan. 17 over his peace officer's license. But a joint motion of continuance was filed on Thursday, with both sides requesting the hearing be moved to either April or May.  

Chism has been collecting a sheriff’s paycheck from Callaway County. Callaway County Human Resources Director Leah Laramore told ABC 17 News last week that Chism has been paid $72,487.90 since his suspension on June 9. Maylee is also getting paid a sheriff’s salary.