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St. Louis County police have started an investigation of one officer for allegedly starting a program of racial profiling.

Information officer Randy Vaughn says that Lieutenant Patrick Hayes has been placed on leave while the claims are investigated. An anonymous letter from a county officer accused Hayes of ordering officers in his command to focus on arresting black people in a mainly white part of south county. The Post-Dispatch reports that Police Chief Tim Fitch hopes to have the results of the inquiry within two weeks.

Hayes is a 19-year veteran of the force.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Some Missouri House Democrats are looking to reduce the punishment for marijuana possession.

Under a bill outlined Thursday, first-time offenders for marijuana possession would be allowed to do community service and avoid jail. If offenders complete the sentence, the convictions would be removed from their record.

Rep. Rory Ellinger, a criminal defense attorney and Democrat from St. Louis, said the legislation would help people with marijuana convictions in their youth get jobs later by not having to disclose the conviction.

Ellinger said the measure could save the state money by keeping first-time drug offenders out of jail.

The new sentencing structure would apply only to people carrying less than 35 grams of marijuana.

A St. Louis man has admitted to kidnapping and trying to rape a 15-year-old girl early last year.

Charles Smith said he grabbed the girl was she was walking to her bus stop on February 6 of last year. Smith forced her into his car at knife-point and drove her a few blocks away. That is when he ripped off the teen's pants and shoes. She was able to fight him off and got help from a passing driver.

Prosecutors will ask for life in prison when Smith is sentenced in April.