On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, a warrant was issued in the Circuit Court of Ralls County charging Tracey M. Ray (47) of Center, with two counts of Assault in the First Degree, a class A felony, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action, an unspecified felony. Bond was set at $100,000 cash only.

These charges are the result of an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol after the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on July 2, 2019 where two members of the Ralls County Sheriff’s Office were wounded in a shootout with Ray.

Earlier this morning, November 21, 2019, the warrant was served at a residence in Center, Missouri by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. She is being lodged at the Pike County Jail.

Once at the jail, Ray appeared in court for an arraignment via video. During that appearance, a bond reduction request was denied. Her next scheduled court appearance is 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

An investigation into Ray’s time at her job as Center City Clerk by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office is ongoing and may result in future charges.

The Ralls County Sheriff’s Office would like to announce an update regarding the officer-involved shooting where both Sheriff Gerry Dinwiddie and Chief Deputy Ronald Haught, Jr. were struck during an incident involving the former city clerk of Center, Missouri which occurred on July 3rd, 2019. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office has advised that the criminal case for assault on a LEO stemming from the incident has been referred to their office.

The investigation of embezzlement of funds from the City of Center, Missouri is being handled by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will be referred to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office upon completion of the investigation.