Public Service: Melesa Johnson

Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Kansas City

Melesa Johnson was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, as Jackson County’s prosecuting attorney after a career in public service and community advocacy. Johnson has held leadership roles on the KIPP Academy School Board and the Englewood Arts Board and served with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City.

Since taking office, Johnson has championed transparency by launching Jackson County’s first-ever domestic violence data dashboard, which makes filing rates, referral rates and outcomes publicly accessible. She serves on the SAVE KC board, working with KCPD, the city and service providers to address root causes of crime and interrupt cycles of violence. A vocal advocate for legislative reform, Johnson has pushed for changes to Missouri law, banning dangerous Glock switches and clarifying the state’s self-defense statutes.

“Every decision I make is informed by where I came from and driven by where I believe this community deserves to go,” she said. Johnson is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Jackson County Bar Association.