Second County Pathologist Resigns Citing Sheriff’s Interference, ‘Total Disregard’ Of Proper Procedure
Dr. Bennet Omalu, who had gained attention after his work was spotlighted in the movie "Concussion," followed in the steps of colleague Susan Parson and offered his resignation as San Joaquin County's chief medical examiner. The pair has been documenting what they call the improper behavior from the sheriff and sent it to the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the county district attorney in a push for a broader investigation.
Modesto Bee:
Hands Removed, Findings Changed: Pathologists Say San Joaquin Sheriff ‘Does Whatever He Feels Like Doing’
Hands chopped off bodies; corpses left to deteriorate; doctors pressured to classify officer-involved deaths as accidents rather than homicides: San Joaquin County’s two forensic pathologists resigned in recent days over what they said was intolerable interference by Sheriff-Coroner Steve Moore. Dr. Bennet Omalu Tuesday announced his resignation as San Joaquin County’s chief medical examiner. Last week, Omalu’s colleague Susan Parson announced her resignation. Under Moore, they said, the county has failed to adequately investigate deaths in the Central Valley. (Egel, Chabria and Garrison, 12/5)
The Associated Press:
Famed 'Concussion' Pathologist Alleges Autopsy Interference
San Joaquin County’s chief medical examiner, known nationally as the doctor depicted in the movie “Concussion” about brain injuries among football players, resigned Tuesday over what he said was interference by the sheriff that has become so invasive that it borders on the unlicensed practice of medicine. Dr. Bennet Omalu accused Sheriff-Coroner Steve Moore of routinely interfering with death investigations to protect law enforcement officers. (Thompson, 12/5)