Cape Girardeau, Missouri – The coroner of Cape Girardeau County faces serious charges following accusations of stealing from a deceased individual and providing false information on multiple death certificates. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed three felony charges and one misdemeanor against the coroner, Wavis Jordan, while also petitioning for his removal from office. The judge has since barred Jordan from performing any official duties, transferring his responsibilities to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Jordan, who is Black, has vehemently denied the charges and claimed they are unjust, hinting at a possible racial issue. The allegations against Jordan include incidents of tampering with evidence and misleading information on death certificates. If found guilty, he could face up to 12 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, in addition to potential removal from his position.
Jordan’s controversial tenure as coroner, elected in 2020, has been marred by accusations of incompetence and neglect of duty. His unorthodox handling of death investigations, including cases where the true cause of death was allegedly misrepresented, has led to widespread criticism and public outcry. The petition to remove him from office cites multiple instances where Jordan failed to properly investigate deaths, potentially compromising the accuracy of vital records.
The charges against Jordan come at a critical juncture as the Cape Girardeau County Commission contemplates the future of the coroner’s office. With mounting complaints and concerns over Jordan’s conduct, the decision to seek a new medical examiner through a contract underscores the need for accountability and transparency in death investigations. Jordan’s alleged mishandling of death certificates has raised doubts about the reliability of mortality data in Cape Girardeau County.
In light of the ongoing legal proceedings and public scrutiny, the case highlights broader issues surrounding death certification practices across the United States. The complexities of ascertaining the cause of death, especially in cases with multiple contributing factors, underscore the need for standardized protocols and thorough investigations. The repercussions of inaccurate death certificates extend beyond Jordan’s jurisdiction, underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity and accuracy in vital records.