Keith Freie named 2024 Prosecutor of the Year
The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys named Keith Freie the 2024 “Prosecutor of the Year” for his exemplary skills and service.
Freie will receive his award in St. Louis during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 18-20.
Freie has been prosecuting attorney for Montgomery County since November 2022 and was interim prosecuting attorney for Warren County from October 2023 to April 2024. After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Law, he was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Montgomery, Gasconade, and Warren counties, as well as juvenile office attorney for Montgomery and Warren counties.
While interim prosecuting attorney for Warren County, Freie implemented several office reforms, including increasing staffing capabilities, policy oversight, and training. He analyzed case statistics and educated key stakeholders to obtain additional funding for desperately needed staff, as well as secured funding for office construction projects. He also sought and obtained the impaneling of a continuous grand jury for Warren County.
“I am proud of formally requesting a grand jury be impaneled on a continuous basis for Warren County as the grand jury process protects victims and provides efficiency for law enforcement,” Freie said. “I am also proud of serving as the catalyst to unite so many amazing stakeholders for one goal of seeking justice for the citizens of the State of Missouri.”
Freie credited his co-workers and staff for inspiring him to “continue to seek justice no matter how difficult or unpopular the result,” adding this award also recognizes his staff and their “unwavering service to citizens of their counties and the State of Missouri.”
Freie encouraged to lawyers to “Say, ‘yes’ and take a risk.”
“Don't be afraid to say yes to challenges even when you do not perceive a benefit,” he said. “Service to others and the community will be your reward.”
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2024 award winners here.