– House Democratic Leader Jake Hummel said Thursday embattled State Rep. Steve Webb, D-St. Louis, apparently changed his mind about intentions to resign, following the filing of a felony and several misdemeanor charges regarding his handling of campaign finances.

In a statement Thursday morning, Hummel said Webb told him Wednesday morning that he planned to resign by day’s end, even to the point of instructing Hummel’s office to draft him a resignation letter. Hummel issued a statement saying so, but Wednesday night came, and Webb remained in office.

“He evidently had a change of heart and now has told reporters that he doesn’t plan to step down at this time,” Hummel said.

Paul D’Agrosa, Webb’s lawyer, said Hummel’s statement on Wednesday “was premature”, and that Webb would not resign at this time.

“Rep. Webb is considering all of his options and I do not expect he will announce his resignation today,” he said. “I do expect at some point … Rep. Webb will issue a statement.”

Hummel referred to the allegations – which include a felony stealing charge for allegedly soliciting campaign funds under a false premise for personal use, and seven misdemeanor charges for separate violations of Missouri Ethics Commission Rules governing campaign finance – as “serious criminal charges.”

“The decision on whether or when to resign ultimately is Representative Webb’s to make,” Hummel said. “But for the sake of his family and constituents, I strongly believe that he should follow through with his original intentions.”