Thompson, Welker recognized as prosecutors of the year
Wm. Locke Thompson and Mark J. Welker will receive the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys’ 2025 Prosecutor of the Year awards for their exemplary skills as prosecutors and their work on MAPA’s legislative committee.
Thompson and Welker co-chair MAPA’s legislative committee, working with lawmakers on policies that strengthen public safety and support Missouri’s prosecutors. This year, the committee was instrumental for revisions to Chapters 491 and 492 RSMo that offer greater protections for children through the court process.
“Thompson and Welker exemplify the best of Missouri prosecution,” MAPA Executive Director Darrell Moore said. “Their work reflects an unwavering commitment to victims, fairness in the courtroom, and a strong dedication to upholding the rule of law.”
Thompson
Thompson, of Jefferson City, has been prosecuting attorney for Cole County since 2018 and regularly leads training programs for local law enforcement. He is also president-elect of MAPA.
Thompson said his passion for law is driven by a “strong sense of justice, a desire to give a voice to victims, and an interest in advocating for legislation that promotes those values.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my community as a prosecutor,” Thompson added. “Being involved with MAPA adds another layer to that work. It allows me to collaborate with prosecutors across Missouri, advocate for policies that strengthen public safety, and support law enforcement with the tools they need to serve our communities.”
Welker
Welker, of Jackson, has been prosecuting attorney for Cape Girardeau County since 2018 and is secretary of MAPA. Welker has served on The Missouri Bar Board of Governors since 2022, and he is chair of the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad.
“I believe prosecution is not only about holding offenders accountable, but also about protecting the vulnerable, ensuring fairness in the courtroom, and giving victims a voice,” Welker said. “This recognition reflects not just my own work, but the dedication of my colleagues, law enforcement partners, and community members who share the commitment to making Missouri a safer place.”
Welker encouraged new lawyers to seek mentors and remember why they chose the legal profession.
“Success as a prosecutor is not measured by wins or losses, but by doing what is right with integrity, fairness, and compassion,” he said. “… Most of all, remember that this work is about service, when you put victims, justice, and community first, recognition will naturally follow.”
The Prosecutor of the Year awards will be presented in Branson during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference, Sept. 17-19.
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.