Missouri Lawmaker Arrested After Winning Re-election

Ealy, a Democrat representing Jackson County’s District 36, was arrested by Jefferson City police on Wednesday, November 4. Cole County jail records list the charges as fourth-degree assault and disturbing the peace. Both are misdemeanors; the assault charge carries a maximum one-year jail term and a $2,000 fine, while disturbing the peace carries up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Police said witnesses described Ealy yelling and causing a disturbance near businesses and an apartment complex. Ealy allegedly threatened a woman’s husband and referred to a gun. One witness said the events began when Ealy disrupted a funeral service. Police said he appeared to be experiencing a panic attack and a mental health episode.

Ealy had won re-election on Tuesday, November 3, with 68 percent of the vote. He was first elected to the Missouri House in 2022. He remained in custody at the Cole County Jail, and the charges remained unresolved as of November 6.

A spokesperson for House Democratic leadership said Ealy had been removed from all committee assignments in the spring of 2025 so he could focus on personal matters. The spokesperson said there were no plans to restore those assignments for the 2027 session.