Days after taking his oath for another term on the Sedalia City Council, first ward councilman Tom Oldham has resigned with immediate effect.

A statement from the City of Sedalia says that Mayor Andrew Dawson accepted Oldham’s resignation Thursday, April 24 after “serious allegations” were brought against Oldham. Dawson added that the city, “understand[s] the public’s concern and take these matters seriously. Our thoughts are with everyone affected as this situation unfolds. We remain committed to transparency and integrity in local government.”

Oldham was first elected to the city council in 2019, and had no opposition when re-elected in 2021 and 2023.  Earlier this month, Oldham had fended off a challenge from Albert Reine Jr for re-election, winning another two-year term with 57 percent of the vote. He had the widest margin of victory among the four councilmen that were sworn in during Monday night’s council meeting.

The City of Sedalia says they will begin the process of selecting Oldham’s replacement and will have no further comment at this time, citing that the situation is an active legal matter under the authority of Pettis County officials.