Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of St. Charles County, Missouri

09/11/2026

Defendants Sentenced After Being Found Guilty on Child S*x Charges

St. Charles County, Missouri- The Office of Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch announces that on June 26, 2026, a jury found Philip Wimbish, 56, of Mesa, Arizona guilty of Statutory So**my (3 counts), S*xual Misconduct, Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts), Child Molestation (3 counts), and Furnishing Pornographic Material to a Minor. That same jury found Laina Garso, 43, of Mesa, Arizona guilty of the following charges: Statutory So**my, Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts), and Abuse of Neglect of a Child.

On September 10, 2026, Judge Brittney Smith sentenced Wimbish to life in prison, plus 80 years to be served in the Missouri Department of Corrections. On August 20, 2026, Judge Brittney Smith sentenced Garso to 35 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Charges arose after the victim disclosed to a family member that Wimbish and Garso had committed these acts and were grooming the victim to be Wimbish’s future wife.

“These sentences reflect the seriousness of the harm caused to the victim and the importance of holding the defendants accountable. We are grateful for the courage and perseverance of the victim throughout this lengthy process, and for the dedication and professionalism of our law enforcements partners both here and in Arizona who worked together to pursue justice. This outcome is a testament to what can be accomplished when victims, investigators, child advocacy center, and the prosecutor’s office work together with a shared commitment to justice.” Joseph G. McCulloch

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

St. Peters Man Sentenced in Fatal DWI

St. Charles County, Missouri- The Office of Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch announces that on September 9, 2025, Judge Dwayne Johnson, sentenced Mark McCarthy, 39, to 22 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. McCarthy entered a guilty plea to the charge of DWI – Death of a Person arising out of a fatal motorcycle crash resulting in the death of a four-year-old child who was improperly seated on the motorcycle with McCarthy.

08/26/2026

🐾💙 Happy National Dog Day to our favorite facility dog, Rosie. Rosie provides comfort, courage and a connection with everyone she meets, but her impact is especially meaningful to the victims of crime who walk through our doors. Her gentle presence and unconditional support can help make an incredibly difficult experience feel less overwhelming.

So far this year, Rosie has supported 78 victims of crime, providing comfort and companionship when they need it most.

We’re incredibly grateful for Rosie and the important work she does each and every day. We’re lucky to have her on our team. 🐾💙

07/28/2026

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend a pancake breakfast and discuss recent cryptocurrency scams in our community. Thank you to Representative Mike Costlow, Lake St. Louis Police Chief Chris DiGuiseppi, Lake St. Louis Mayor Brian McKinney, and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for the valuable information, signs to watch for and ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Thanks to Village Café for the wonderful food and atmosphere.

The Village Cafe of Lake St Louis
Lake Saint Louis Police Department
Representative Mike Costlow
Lake Saint Louis, MO- Official

07/02/2026

St. Charles County offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday! Happy 250th anniversary to the USA!

07/01/2026

Update: On July 14, 2026, after a bond reduction hearing and over state's objection, the judge set the bond for Robert R. Farek at $200,000.00 with 10% authorized with the following bond condition: no driving, defendant to reside with his parents at their residence, no possession of any fi****ms or weapons, defendant to forfeit any weapons in his possession immediately, no contact with the victim’s family, no travel outside the State of Missouri without court approval, and defendant must surrender his passport.

O’Fallon Man Charged with Murder in the Second Degree

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI- The Office of Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch announces that on July 1, 2026, Robert R. Farek, 48, of O’Fallon was charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Charges arose from a road rage incident that occurred at the intersection of Winghaven Blvd. and Highway 40/60 which resulted in the shooting and killing of the victim.

Farek is currently in custody and has a bond of $500,000.00 cash only. This matter is now pending before The Honorable Jeffrey Sandcork.

07/01/2026

St. Charles Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in the Second Degree

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI- The Office of Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch announces that on June 30, 2026, Judge W. Christopher McDonough, sentenced Trevon J. Gully, 21, to 25 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Gully entered a plea of guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Robbery, and Armed Criminal Action. Charges arose while attempting to rob the driver of a vehicle, a struggle ensued, resulting in Gully’s firearm discharging and striking the passenger in the vehicle. The victim was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.