PINE LAWN, MO (KTVI) – The mayor of Pine Lawn is under federal indictment. Despite the federal charges, Sylvester Caldwell has said he will remain mayor. But on Friday night, he did not show up at the city council meeting.
Angry Pine Lawn residents peppered the city council with questions. But, the council didn’t allow any comments.
Mayor Caldwell was supposed to be there. A source says didn’t show because he heard the media and angry citizens would be at the meeting.
Caldwell has pleaded not guilty on charges of extortion. The 54-year old was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of interference with commerce by extortion. He has been accused of taking cash payments from the owner of a local towing company in exchange for directing the Pine Lawn Police Department to use that towing company.
The group “Concerned Citizens of Pine Lawn” wants the mayor out of office.
More coverage: Pine Lawn mayor arrested on extortion charges