Theresa
KENNEY
JASPER COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Do justice.
Love mercy.
Walk humbly.
Micah 6:8
CALLED.
“As a young girl, the Lord gave me the desire to become a lawyer. At that time no one in my family had even been to college. But God is faithful. I graduated from Oral Roberts University in 1985, and earned my law degree from the University of Missouri in 1988.”
QUALIFIED.
With 35 years of trial experience, 15 years in civil trial practice, 11 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and nine years as the elected Prosecutor, Theresa brings a wealth of experience to this office. She continues to try cases to juries which have resulted in convictions and lengthy prison sentences for the most serious offenders.
COMMITTED.
As the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney, Theresa is committed to the pursuit of justice, and she will continue to work with law enforcement, judges, and attorneys to improve the criminal justice system.
Since taking office in 2017, Theresa implemented the use of electronic search warrants so that warrants may be obtained more quickly and efficiently.
She continues to work with law enforcement to combat the battle against trafficking fentanyl in our communities. Additionally, her office remains committed to supporting the Jasper County Treatment Courts which help those trying to break the cycle of addiction to become law abiding citizens.
Moving forward, Theresa is collaborating with law enforcement and mental health experts to find solutions for the mentally ill in our community who without proper treatment all too often end up in the criminal justice system.
As a co-chair of the Task Force on Criminal Justice, Theresa is part of a statewide committee seeking ways to improve the criminal justice system in Missouri.
do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.
About Theresa
Theresa Kenney has thirty-five years of experience as a trial lawyer.
“There is still work to be done, and I hope for another term to continue the work I have been called to do on behalf of the people of Jasper County.”
A graduate of Oral Roberts University (B.A. 1985) and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law (JD 1988), she began her practice of law with Blanchard, Robertson, Mitchell and Carter, in 1988, becoming a partner in 1995.
In 1998, she and her husband, Dr. Richard Kenney, moved to Kirksville, Missouri where Theresa continued her law practice until the birth of their daughter, Mary Grace, in 2001.
In May of 2005, Theresa committed her trial experience to public service becoming an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Jasper County where she has tried and won many felony jury trials.
In April 2014, she was awarded the Women's Justice Award for Public Service Practitioner by Missouri Lawyers Weekly.
In January 2017 she was appointed by the governor as the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney. Since then she was elected twice by the people of Jasper County.
Most recently, Theresa was asked to co-chair the Task Force on Criminal Justice and is part of a statewide committee seeking ways to improve the criminal justice system in Missouri.
"Being the Jasper County Prosecutor isn't just a job to me, it is my passion. I am committed to the pursuit of justice for, and on behalf of, all of the people of Jasper County, and I will continue to work hard to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly (Micah 6:8)"
–Theresa Kenney
Family
Theresa and her husband Rick have been married 29 years. Their children all grown, they live in Carl Junction with their dogs Gus and Bear. Theresa and her daughters at a family wedding.
Parents
Theresa's parents, Bill and Mary Ohler, were born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. Her father served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. He retired in 1981, and they returned to their hometown of Joplin. Both of her parents then graduated from Missouri Southern State College.
Mother’s Day and celebrating Bill Ohler’s 80th Birthday!
Theresa was sworn in by Judge Gayle Crane as she began serving as Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney January, 2017, with husband Richard and daughter Mary Grace in attendance.
Women's Justice Award for Public Service Practitioner presented to Theresa in 2014 by Missouri Lawyers Weekly.
Governor Mike Parson signs House Bill 66 in Joplin in 2020. This bill created a Pretrial Witness Protection Services fund to provide security for witnesses in criminal proceedings.
COMMUNITY
Joplin Daybreak Rotary
Theresa was one of the first women invited to join Joplin Daybreak Rotary which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Joplin Daybreak Rotary is part of a worldwide community dedicated to "Service Above Self." Joplin Daybreak Rotary supports a number of local organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, the Will Norton Miracle Field, and the Rotary Sculpture Garden in Mercy Park.
Bible Study Fellowship
For many years Theresa served as a Children's Leader with Bible Study Fellowship, sharing the truth of God's Word to the next generation.
Theresa and her husband Richard are proud supporters of CASA, Children's Center, the Cornell Center, Lafayette House, and Missouri Southern State University.
Theresa: “One of my favorite activities as a Daybreak Rotarian. I had the privilege of giving dictionaries to 3rd graders at Jefferson Elementary. Look at those smiles! (Oct 29, 2025)
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Contact Theresa at theresakenney13@gmail.com
If you would like a yard sign, please email Theresa!
If you would like to support her campaign by making a donation, please make checks payable to:
Committee to Elect Theresa Kenney
103 North Windwood
Carl Junction, MO 64834
Please provide your address and employment as required by Missouri Ethics.
VOTE on August 4, 2026!
Thank you!