Elect Marsha I. Stiles for Prosecuting Attorney of Ozark County, Mo.

04/09/2026

Experience Matters

As I continue my campaign for Prosecuting Attorney of Ozark County, I have been asked what distinguishes me from the other candidates. The answer is simple: experience matters.

My journey in the legal profession spans nearly four decades.

I began working in a law firm in 1986 as a file clerk and worked my way through the ranks while raising a growing family. Eleven months after the birth of my fourth child, I enrolled at St. Louis Community College and later attended Maryville University, earning my paralegal credentials and induction into honor societies including Phi Theta Kappa, Lambda Epsilon Chi, and Pi Gamma Mu. During that time, I was also admitted to MENSA and became a member of the Cold Case Foundation. While at Maryville, I published an article expressing my dream of becoming a prosecutor in a small community where I could also advocate for others—a vision I am proud to pursue today.

I went on to earn my Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law, beginning law school just one month after the birth of my fifth child. I passed the bar exam in 2003 while pregnant with my sixth child, a testament to my perseverance and commitment to the legal profession. I later completed advanced training in Medicolegal Death Investigations through Saint Louis University.

Throughout my career, I have gained extensive and diverse legal experience, including:

Intern Investigator/Paralegal, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, assisting with homicide cases
Intern, St. Louis Public Defender’s Office
Coordinator of Business Law and Paralegal Studies, educating and mentoring future legal professionals
Managing Attorney, Midwest Center for Law & Justice, supervising attorneys and support staff
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Stone County, Missouri, overseeing the domestic violence docket
Counsel for the State of Missouri, prosecuting child abuse and neglect cases on behalf of the Children’s Division
Public Defender, serving clients in the 37th and 44th Judicial Circuits

In addition, I have moderated and presented Continuing Legal Education programs for The Missouri Bar, authored published legal articles, and served on nonprofit boards, including Joyful Heart Ministries and Southern Missouri Advocates, which is working to establish a domestic violence shelter in the 44th Circuit.

My commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom. I volunteer with the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department and remain dedicated to protecting families and strengthening our community.

This campaign is not about ambition—it is about readiness.

Ozark County deserves a prosecutor who brings experience, integrity, and proven leadership to the office on day one. I am prepared to uphold the law, support law enforcement, protect victims, and ensure justice is administered fairly and efficiently.

I would be honored to earn your trust, your support, and your vote.

Marsha Stiles
Candidate for Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney

Send a message to learn more

04/02/2026

See my article in this week's Ozark County Times

04/02/2026

Apparently, Facebook doesn’t like me. No reason given. No instructions on how to reinstate but this page is no longer being recommended. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD that I would like to be the next prosecuting attorney fired Ozark County. Thank you in advance. ❤️❤️❤️

03/30/2026

If You’re Not Part of the Solution, You’re Part of the Problem

Last Thursday, I went out on my first call with the Theodosia Area Volunteer Fire Department. It was a large brush fire, and when we arrived, only one other member from our department was on scene.

I stepped out of the truck with zero fire experience. I was handed a backpack leaf blower that looked like something out of Ghostbusters and told to follow my partner into the flames.

I tried.

Within seconds, I was knocked back by a branch, and just as quickly as I looked up — my partner was gone, already doing the work that needed to be done.

In that moment, I realized something important:
I wasn’t helping. I was a liability.

Additional departments arrived, and together, the fire was brought under control.

That experience stuck with me.

Being well-intentioned is not enough. Wanting to help is not enough.
If you’re going to take on responsibility — especially when others are depending on you — you have to be prepared, capable, and ready to do the job.

That’s how I approach public service.

I will never put myself in a position where I am not ready to serve effectively. I believe in preparation, accountability, and doing the work necessary to be part of the solution — not part of the problem.

That’s the standard I will bring as your next Prosecuting Attorney

03/29/2026

🗳️ Election Day is right around the corner, and every vote truly matters. Whether it’s local issues, schools, roads, or community leadership—these decisions impact all of us.

Take a few minutes on April 7 to head to the polls and be part of shaping the future of our communities. Your voice counts.

03/26/2026

I recently had the opportunity to respond to questions submitted by Pamela Ehlers with Ozark County Local News and Weather regarding why I’m running for Prosecuting Attorney, my qualifications, and what I will bring to the office.

I appreciate the opportunity to share that information, especially for those in our community who may not be active on social media.

In that response, I discussed my more than 20 years of legal experience, including my work as an assistant prosecutor, my leadership as Coordinator of Business Law and Paralegal Studies, and my commitment to timely, consistent, and accountable prosecution.

Most importantly, I shared why I’m running: because I believe Ozark County deserves a prosecutor’s office that protects victims, holds offenders accountable, and ensures cases are handled with diligence and without unnecessary delay.

I encourage you to take a look at the Ozark County Local News and Weather page. I welcome your questions and your feedback.

I would be honored to have your support and your vote.

03/24/2026

When a child is victimized, every day matters. Delays in the pursuit of justice can deepen the trauma and erode trust in the system meant to protect them. Our community’s children deserve urgency, diligence, and action — not waiting. As Prosecuting Attorney, I will make timely, victim-focused prosecution a priority.

An Ozark County man has been arrested for the r**e of a minor female family member. Chevy Logan Mahan of Brixey was booked into the Ozark County Jail Thursday on one count of r**e. The incident happened

03/23/2026

Come to the sale barn tonight! Dinner is on me!

03/20/2026

I understand that a sign that was put up is blocking the view at 1:60 in J. That’s going to be corrected today! Please excuse any inconvenience. 

03/19/2026

Here’s your sign! Campaign banners and yard signs are in, and I’d love your help getting them out across Ozark County.

If you’re willing to put up a sign or banner, please message me — and as always, I would be honored to have your vote. Let’s work together to keep Ozark County safe, strong, and accountable.