Circuit Attorney Gore Announces Appointment of Keith H. Williamson as Interim Director of Community Engagement
June 20, 2023

Top corporate and civic leader to serve on pro bono basis, will make rebuilding community trust a cornerstone of the work at the Circuit Attorney’s Office


ST. LOUIS, MO (June 20, 2023) — Just one month into his new administration, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore is filling a key position with one of the region’s most respected community builders. Keith Williamson has been named the Interim Director of Community Engagement.

Williamson, who brings decades of civic leadership to an office dedicated to restoring ties to the community and trust in the work of the Circuit Attorney, will support the office in a pro bono capacity, while working to help identify a candidate to permanently fill this important position.


“Keith’s ability to listen and build trust are second to none. When I asked if he would do this, he didn’t hesitate for a moment. That speaks volumes to what people like Keith are willing to do to help their community,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.


Williamson currently serves as the Chief Charitable Giving Officer of Centene Corporation and President of the Centene Foundation. He also serves on the boards of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, The Opportunity Trust and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.


“At Centene, our mission is to transform the health of the communities we serve,” said Centene’s General Counsel Chris Koster. “As a business headquartered here in St. Louis, we can think of no better way to serve our local community than by supporting our civic leaders at this critical time. Keith will be a connector who will bridge divides and bring the St. Louis community together.”


“There are times in your life when you put community above all else. This is one of those times, and it's a real credit to Gabe that so many experienced people are stepping up to help," said Williamson. "There are many relationships and bridges that must be rebuilt in St. Louis: clergy, community members, crime victims, safety advocates and the police. I am more than ready to get to work.”


Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore has made a number of strong, experienced hires in the recent weeks, including bringing on 11 highly experienced prosecutors since his swearing in.

“Everyone who has joined our team has done so knowing the road ahead is challenging. I want to thank them for doing this work that is essential to the criminal justice system and the safety of the citizens of St. Louis,” said Gore.


###

For Immediate Release

For more information contact:

Amber Raub

Public Information Officer

St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office

rauba@stlouiscao.org

314-589-6233 (office)

314-312-9912 (cell)

More News

Hyde Park Man Convicted in Murder of Landlord During Eviction Dispute

May 24, 2025
ST. LOUIS, MO (May 23, 2025) — James Cody Jr., 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder and armed criminal action by a jury on Friday for the March 8, 2022, murder of Michael Kelly, 72, in the 3900 block of North 25th Street in the City’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The case stemmed from an ongoing landlord-tenant dispute. Mr. Kelly, the victim, was the landlord of a residence on the 4000 block of North 22nd Street, where Cody’s girlfriend, Deseray Rabb, had stopped paying rent. Despite a court-ordered eviction, Rabb refused to vacate the property. As the legal process unfolded, Cody, who was not listed on the lease but was the father of Rabb’s three children, began threatening Mr. Kelly. On the morning of the murder, surveillance footage captured Cody following Mr. Kelly as he drove to his office. Once parked, Cody was seen approaching the vehicle with a rifle and fatally shooting him. A Nissan Sentra rented under Rabb’s name was spotted in the area and later recovered with ballistic damage concealed by duct tape. Cody was arrested days later at a St. Louis County motel, where he and Rabb were staying with their children. The jury recommended a sentence of 25 years for second-degree murder and 10 years for armed criminal action. Cody’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2025. Deseray Rabb, Cody’s girlfriend and co-defendant, was charged with accessory to first-degree murder and accessory to armed criminal action. She was acquitted by the jury. Tanja Engelhardt, Homicide Unit Chief, and Assistant Circuit Attorneys Timothy Wright and Emily Price prosecuted the case. “This was a ruthless, targeted killing over a lawful eviction. This senseless act of violence has destroyed multiple families. We will relentlessly prosecute those who choose to settle disputes with gun violence to the fullest extent of the law,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. Cody’s case number is 2322-CR01089.

St. Louis Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Shooting Former Girlfriend in the Face

May 19, 2025
Robert Harper, 43, was sentenced following a guilty plea on Monday to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action for shooting his former girlfriend.

Man Convicted in Deadly 2021 Triple Shooting in Fairground Neighborhood

May 15, 2025
Charles Anderson, 66, was found guilty by a jury on Thursday of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of armed criminal action in connection to a 2021 shooting that killed two people and injured another in the 2900 block of Kossuth Avenue in the City’s Fairground neighborhood.