5 Key Facts About Steve Howe, The Johnson County District Attorney Who Just Faced Down A Major Ethics Complaint
Stephen M. Howe, widely known as Steve Howe, has been the top prosecutor in Johnson County, Kansas, for over a decade, but his career continues to be defined by high-profile cases and recent ethical scrutiny. As of late 2025, Howe remains the District Attorney for the 10th Judicial District, a position he has held since 2009, having recently secured a fifth term. The most current and significant update to his public record involves the dismissal of an ethics complaint filed against him in early 2024, a development that, while clearing him of formal disciplinary action, came with a rare public caution.
This article provides an in-depth look at the Johnson County District Attorney, detailing his professional background, his "tough-on-crime" philosophy, and the controversial case that brought his office under the intense scrutiny of the Kansas Judicial Branch. The entities and controversies surrounding his tenure are crucial to understanding the political and judicial landscape of one of Kansas's most populous counties.
Stephen M. Howe: Full Biography and Professional Profile
Stephen M. Howe's profile is that of a career prosecutor with deep roots in Kansas politics and law enforcement. His tenure as District Attorney has been marked by a focus on public safety and a highly conservative approach to criminal justice.
- Full Name: Stephen M. Howe (Stephen Michael Howe)
- Primary Title: District Attorney, 10th Judicial District of Kansas
- Jurisdiction: Johnson County, Kansas
- Political Affiliation: Republican
- Hometown: Salina, Kansas
- Education: Graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in both Criminal Justice and Political Science.
- Career History: Howe has served as a prosecutor for over 31 years. He was first elected as the Johnson County District Attorney in 2008, taking office in January 2009.
- Electoral History: He has successfully won re-election multiple times, most recently securing a fifth term against challengers like Democrat Zach Thomas and David Greenwald in previous cycles.
- Judicial Philosophy: Known for a "tough-on-crime" stance, advocating for stricter sentencing and a firm approach to violent offenders, including pushing for juveniles to be tried as adults in felony murder cases.
The Dismissed Ethics Complaint and Public Caution (2024 Update)
The most recent and defining chapter of Steve Howe’s career is the conclusion of a high-stakes ethics investigation. In January 2024, the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator, an arm of the Kansas Judicial Branch responsible for reviewing claims of ethical misconduct against attorneys, dismissed a formal complaint against Howe.
The complaint alleged that Howe had violated Kansas rules of professional conduct by releasing a false or misleading narrative to the public regarding a controversial officer-involved shooting.
While the Disciplinary Administrator's office ultimately dismissed the case, a crucial detail emerged: Howe was issued a caution. This caution served as a reminder of his professional obligations and the need for accuracy in public statements, particularly in sensitive cases. The dismissal, paired with the caution, provided a fresh and unique angle on his professional conduct, highlighting the fine line prosecutors walk between transparency and legal constraints.
The John Albers Case: A Defining Controversy
The ethics complaint that led to the 2024 caution was directly tied to the highly controversial 2018 shooting of 17-year-old John Albers by an Overland Park Police officer. This case remains the most significant source of public scrutiny for the Johnson County DA’s office.
The incident occurred in January 2018 when Overland Park Police Officer Clayton Jenison responded to a welfare check at the Albers home. The officer fired multiple shots as Albers backed a minivan out of the garage.
A month after the event, District Attorney Steve Howe ruled the shooting was legally justified, concluding that the officer acted in self-defense. This ruling sparked widespread outrage and distrust, particularly from John Albers’ mother, Sheila Albers, who became a vocal advocate for police accountability and transparency.
Sheila Albers was the individual who filed the ethics complaint with the Disciplinary Administrator, arguing that Howe made false statements and misled the public about the events of that night. Although a federal investigation by the FBI into the incident found insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal charges against the former officer, the public and ethical fallout continued to follow Howe through his re-election campaigns and into 2024.
A Record of Accomplishment and Law Enforcement Initiatives
Despite the controversies, Steve Howe’s office touts a long list of accomplishments focused on maintaining public safety in Johnson County, one of the most affluent and rapidly growing areas in the Kansas City metro region. His supporters point to his decades of experience as a key reason for his continued electoral success.
Key initiatives and statistics cited by the DA’s office include:
- Crime Reduction: The Johnson County District Attorney's office highlights a significant reduction in crime during Howe's early tenure. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Crime Index for Johnson County reportedly recorded a 20% per capita reduction in crime during his first year in office.
- Focus on Cold Cases: Howe has directed his office to actively re-examine cold cases, leveraging modern forensic technology, including DNA testing, to seek justice in older, unsolved crimes. This focus demonstrates a commitment to long-term accountability.
- The "Pre-File" Program: His office developed a "pre-file" program designed to provide early intervention and diversion for certain offenders, particularly those facing minor drug or first-time offenses. This program is reported to have maintained a high success rate, often cited as around 90%, aiming to reduce recidivism and preserve judicial resources for more serious felony cases.
- Career Prosecutor Experience: Having served as a prosecutor for over 31 years, Howe's experience is often contrasted with that of his electoral opponents. This extensive background in the 10th District is a cornerstone of his political platform, emphasizing stability and seasoned legal judgment.
The Political and Judicial Landscape of Johnson County
The role of the District Attorney in Johnson County is particularly significant due to the county's political and economic profile. As a Republican in a rapidly changing suburban environment, Howe has faced increasingly heated election battles, including a notable contest against Democrat Zach Thomas.
The debate surrounding his tenure often centers on the balance between his tough-on-crime record and the growing public demand for greater transparency and police accountability, a demand fueled by the specifics of the John Albers case. Entities like the Kansas Judicial Branch, the KBI, and local law enforcement agencies are all intertwined with the decisions made by the DA's office, making Howe a central figure in Kansas's criminal justice system.
In conclusion, Steve Howe’s position as the Johnson County District Attorney is one of immense power and constant public scrutiny. His ability to secure a fifth term underscores his long-standing support among voters, while the 2024 dismissal-with-caution from the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator serves as a fresh reminder of the ethical and legal complexities that continue to define his controversial, yet impactful, career.
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