St. Mary Mayor Charged in Skid Steer Theft Case

Ste. Genevieve Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The mayor of St. Mary is facing two felony charges after a mini skid steer was allegedly taken from a deceased resident’s property without permission.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Mayor Adam C. Bequette has been charged with one count of stealing and one count of first-degree tampering of a motor vehicle. The charges stem from the removal and use of a Ditch Witch SK800 skid steer, valued at approximately $18,000, from a property on Cemetery Lane in St. Mary.

Investigators say the machine belonged to a man who passed away in March 2025. His two adult children became the legal heirs to the equipment. When one of the heirs returned to the property in May, they discovered the skid steer was missing.

During interviews, city employees reported that Mayor Bequette instructed them to remove the skid steer using a city truck and a trailer owned by Bequette, claiming it was blocking access to city utility lines. The machinery was then stored at a city-owned impound lot and reportedly used for city work, including maintenance and cleanup.

Despite Mayor Bequette’s claims that he attempted to contact the heirs through certified mail and phone calls, authorities say no documentation of those attempts was provided. The heirs also confirmed they had not received any communication from Bequette.

Investigators later determined the skid steer had not been obstructing utility access and could have easily been moved if needed. The equipment was recovered and returned to the rightful owners on June 4.

City employees told investigators that Mayor Bequette allegedly made a statement about not wanting to “go back to jail” in connection with the incident.

A warrant request filed in the case cites concerns that Bequette may be a danger to the community or law enforcement due to his experience in law enforcement and his comments about avoiding jail.

Mayor Bequette is scheduled to appear in court on July 16 at 9 a.m. in Ste. Genevieve County.