Sheriff Freitas and the women and men of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to report the resolution of the backlogged coroner reports.
The Grand Jury 2014 report recommended that the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office impose contractually stipulated penalties for late autopsy reports while evaluating the suitability of its continued relationship with FMG for forensic services.
At the time of the 2014 Grand Jury investigation, Forensic Medical Group (FMG) was delinquent with over 400 reports. The Grand Jury felt that the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated ineffective oversight because of the backlogged reports.
In consultation with County Counsel, the Sheriff’s Office demanded that FMG complete and turn in all late reports by January 31, 2015 or fines would be imposed for all delinquent reports, including retroactive late fees.
We are happy to inform the public that there are no longer any delinquent coroner cases pending. The contract with FMG has been satisfied.
We are very proud of the personnel assigned to the Coroner’s Office and their diligence during this period. The pathologists and forensic assistants demonstrated a clear commitment by bringing the late reports to completion.
The men and women of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office are committed to assisting families and loved ones by doing everything in our power to bring all open investigations to a close.
