Missouri Governor Eric Greitens indicted on invasion of privacy charge

Missouri Republican Governor Eric Greitens was indicted Thursday by a St. Louis grand jury on a felony invasion of privacy charge, according to a news release from Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred in March 2015, she said.

Greitens was booked at the St. Louis Justice Center, officials confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was released on his own recognizance, St. Louis Circuit Attorney spokeswoman Susan Ryan told The Associated Press.

According to Gardner's news release, the grand jury "found probable cause" that Greiten broke a state law.

An investigation into Greitens' behavior was opened in January following his admiting to an affair, reportedly beginning in March 2015.

Local reports at the time said Greitens allegedly threatened to publicize nude images of the woman he was having the extramarital relations with if she exposed their relationship, according to her ex-husband.

While acknowledging that he was "unfaithful" in his marriage, Greitens denied allegations that he blackmailed the woman.

Gardner declined to comment to The AP but Ryan confirmed the indictment stemmed from the alleged photo.

According to the indictment, on March 21, 2015, Greitens allegedly photographed a woman identified only by her initials "in a state of full or partial nudity" without her knowledge or consent. The indictment said Greitens "transmitted the image contained in the photograph in a manner that allowed access to that image via a computer," which is a felony, according Gardner's

release.

The Missouri governor was elected in November 2016.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.