Ray County Coroner Bartley J. Willim has assumed the position of county sheriff after Scott Childers was placed on administrative leave by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey “ via petition of quo warranto. According to RSMo. 58.200, when the sheriff’s position is vacant, the coroner of the county takes his place. The statute states the county coroner is authorized to perform all duties that are required by law to be performed by the sheriff until another sheriff for such county shall be appointed and qualified. “I have had the privilege of serving as the coroner for Ray County for the past nine years, initially appointed by the governor and subsequently elected by the citizens of our county. It is both an honor and a legal obligation for me to step forward now and serve as sheriff,” said Willim. “Throughout my tenure, I have cultivated strong relationships within the law enforcement community and with our elected county officials. Together, we are steadfastly committed to…