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May 30, 2018JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. |  By: Coffey / AP

Missouri Governor Greitens resigns

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has resigned amid criminal and legislative investigations stemming from an extramarital affair and campaign finance questions.  

The 44-year-old Rhodes Scholar and ex-Navy SEAL made the announcement Tuesday. The resignation takes effect Friday.  

A St. Louis grand jury indicted Greitens on Feb. 22 on one felony count of invasion of privacy. The charge was dismissed during jury selection, but a special prosecutor was considering whether to refile charges. Prosecutors say he took a compromising photo of a woman with whom he had an affair without her consent in 2015, before his election. The woman told a legislative committee Greitens restrained, slapped, shoved and threatened her during sexual encounters.  

The Missouri Legislature began meeting in special session less than two weeks ago to consider impeachment. Greitens has denied criminal wrongdoing.  

7th District State Representative Rusty Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, says he believes Greitens' resignation was the right move by the Governor.

Republican leaders in the Missouri House echo Black's comments. House Speaker Todd Richardson, Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, and Majority Leader Rob Vescovo issued a joint statement Tuesday, moments after Greitens announced he would be stepping down Friday.
 
They said as public servants their duty is to put the best interests of the people first and, "the Governor's decision today honors that duty and allows Missouri to move forward.'' The three leaders also pledged to help ensure a smooth transition to power for Lt. Gov. Mike Parson as he takes over for Greitens. They also thanked members of a special House investigatory committee for their "serious and professional'' manner.