Request a Copy in Person Make an appointment to visit the Macomb County Clerk's Office Vital Records Department at 120 N Main in Mount Clemens. The officials made and/or influenced the unlawful decision to terminate Plaintiff because of her protected activity under the Free Speech Clause. A supervisor at the Macomb County morgue has been fired in the wake of a sexism and racism scandal that has cost four women their jobs, and could jeopardize the contract of Chief Medical. macomb county morgue death. Throughout the investigation, the sheriff's office interviewed all 19 employees who had access to the property room, Wickersham said. 3 The Macomb County Morgue Credit: Macomb County Suggest Listing . The individual defendants knew Struckel was engaging in free speech because she told each her suspicions and the imminent dangers of disease posed to those who visited the morgue, employees, their families and community, the complaint states. County Office is not affiliated with any government agency. Employees brought in a cake to the office that contained a black penis made of frosting the day after George Floyds death, and pornographic images of mostly men were placed on a wall and computer screen-savers, officials said. A fourth employee a manager is on paid-leave, according to The Macomb Daily, after the four employees reportedly displayed pornographic photos in the office and on their computers. People complained, she claims. Spitz said prior contract language was vague as to his role in the office and that he was the who proposed the new language that was accepted by the county administration. All of this was part of the office decor, her complaint alleges. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two employees with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office are facing charges after authorities allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue. Robinette Struckel, a former morgue technician in the county Medical Examiners Office, in November 2020 sued the county, a county official, a now-retired county official, and the medical examiner and his company on allegations of violation of her First Amendment right to free speech, the state Whistleblowers Protection Act and public policy. Perform death investigations that occur within Macomb County, prepares detailed reports and analysis on investigation of cases, identify deceased's . Shantavia Hayden was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her 7-month-old after the baby was starved to death in 2020. The county Board of Commissioners on Thursday is scheduled to go into closed session to discuss settlement of the lawsuit. The two employees fired for taking drugs were investigated, the results of which were provided to the county Prosecutors Office, which did not return a request Monday for an update on the case. HURON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - Police say an employee working for the Wayne County Morgue used his position to stake out potential victims and even had a cover story in the event he got. The next court date is scheduled for May 9. The Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner creates death records that can be used in criminal investigations, to resolve insurance claims, or to monitor Clinton public health. Use of automated data search and programs is not supported by this . The Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her mom's death an overdose due to multiple prescription drugs. 1 weather alerts 1 closings . Officials said they noticed 20 hydrocodone pain pills had gone missing, and there were 19 employees with access to the property room. To sign up for email updates from Macomb County or to access your subscriber preferences, please enter your email address. They learned the entire staff had access to the evidence room, which Hackel and Wickersham said is highly improper. Purpose. The offensive cake was. Fraser City Clerk 33000 Garfield Road Fraser, MI 48026 586-293-1877 Directions. Jacob Kettlewell, 50, is accused of taking an occasional pill from the medical examiners office and consuming it, according to authorities. When those families show up at the morgue, she says, "I havebeen told, 'Go deal with your people,' ". In 2017, there were 110 deaths related to heroin (CBS DETROIT) - Two Macomb County workers are charged after stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office. Expect More from Local 4 News at 5. McKinnon said that the threeterminated employees were let go for being part of a sexual discriminatory workplace,not for racism, and that investigators have not been able to substantiate any allegations involvingracism. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said the medical examiners office had drugs so it could compare it to medication found in toxicology reports. The investigator responded no, then asked if she herself had frosted the cake with a black penis. They both received $5,000 personal bonds and will be back in court in May. The data and information on this website is made available by the Office of the Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds as a convenience to the public. What is there to see and do? But when she thought about the cake, her blood boiled. It was thatcakethat pushed one employee too far so she filed thecomplaint with the federal government. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office announced on Wednesday that a woman has been sentenced to spend at least 27 years in prison for the starvation death. The death investigator asked why that was permitted, but got no response. article. Berg agreed with Struckels attorney, Joel Sklar, in his opinion to deny dismissal of the free-speech claim that her complaints were made as a private citizen because as a morgue technician she had no management duties and her speech was of public concern. Her reporting of alleged violations was aimed at bringing to light public safety issues, potential wrongdoing and public trust, the lawsuit says. Privacy Policy One likely took the drugs and another likely attempted to sell them, the officials said. 43525 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The dispute is now in the hands of the U.S. "I have witnessed co-workers crying at their desks, crying in the parking lot, and crying in the bathroom of the building," her complaint states. Details of a proposed deal are not provided in meeting documents. They also work with Macomb County police and sheriff's offices to investigate suspicious or violent deaths. Person who has been designated as the funeral . Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. 2023 www.freep.com. Struckel, who resided in Wayne County at the time the lawsuit was filed, had relocated from Seattle, where she worked in forensic medicine for the Seattle King County Public Health Medical Examiners Office and the Kitsap County Coroners Office in Washington State. When she worked for the state, she was the subject matter expert during compliance and accreditation inspections by the National Association of Medical Examiners, Food & Drug Administration and American Association of Tissue Banks inspections for compliance and accreditation, the lawsuit says. Apr. 200,000 lose power as snowstorm blankets Detroit region, St. Mary student to compete in her fourth Macomb County Regional Spelling Bee, Macomb County prepares for inclement weather, Warren man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Royal Oak womans death, Ford to raise production as US auto sales start to recover, Man arraigned in Warren Dollar General robberies, Lorenzo Cultural Centers new program series highlights post-WWII societal change presentations, performances and exhibits, Macomb Sheriff switches motorcycle unit from Harley-Davidson to BMW, SE Michigan under winter storm warning; 6-8 inches of snow expected, Warren man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Royal Oak woman's death, Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several Macomb County cities, Sterling Heights mom has spent months looking for son, Ray Twp. MACOMB. Macomb Daily 3 Woman accused of starving baby to death in Warren rejects plea Shantavia Hayden, 29, who is charged with second-degree murder for the death of her three-month-old daughter,. Maybe they'll recognize him by that.". Popularity:#7 of 83 Coroners & Medical Examiners in Michigan#158 in Coroners & Medical Examiners. Defendants each acted intentionally, deliberately and willfully when they unlawfully discharged Plaintiff in retaliation for her protected activity.. Ex-morgue. About Us Contact Us The deal includes an opt-out with 90 days notice. A fourth employee remains on paid administrative leave as investigators. Hayden will spend 27.5 to 50 years in prison. The Coroner and Medical Examiner determines a deceased person's time and cause of death, often in the case of sudden or unexpected deaths. Forensic Examinations 572 Local deaths (those that occur within the boundaries of Macomb County) that fall under the jurisdiction of A pathologist who studies the cause and effects of disease and injury, then gathers specimens of the organs and body fluids for testing. I mean, as large as the sheriffs office is -- I have four people that have access to our property room. Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. In 2020, three Macomb County Morgue employees were fired after allegations of sexual harassment and racism. In 2007, the county opened a new state-of-the-art morgue at a cost of $2.4 million in the county complex near Groesbeck Highway and Elizabeth Road. At a Friday morning news conference held at the offices of the Communications and Technology Center and Roads Department in Mount Clemens, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel announced two morgue employees were terminated last week and likely will face criminal charges for stealing drugs collected at death scenes and on their way to an evidence room. The Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner, located in Clinton, MI, keeps death records for individuals who passed away in Clinton. Vital Records Request Form Download the Macomb County Vital Records Request Form and Instructions (PDF) Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said two years ago that some steps of the medical examiners drug disposal process gave him pause. Shantavia Hayden was convicted of second-degree murder in September after a two-week-long trial. Macomb County officials on Thursday will consider settling a federal lawsuit filed over two years ago by a former morgue employee who claims she was fired for reporting health and safety. The prosecutor also said Hayden had received $15,000 in jobless benefits in four months plus food stamps and cash assistance from the state. Both Kettlewell and Fetting were arraigned Wednesday (Feb. 1) at 41B District Court. It was also alleged Black families of deceased individuals were treated differently by morgue employees, and employees who complained were bullied. Over the last five years, the death investigator says she's been forced to work in a cliquey environment where sex is often joked about, especially male genitalia. Admin Assistant, Clerical. The county sheriff's office conducted a . A death investigator. An application for burial assistance must be made no later than 10 business days after the burial, cremation or donation takes place. Self-Service Web. Hackel requested more control over that part of the operation. Posted: April 16, 2021. The employees made admissions to stealing other drugs from the chain of evidence process but were not responsible for the missing hydrocodone pills, officials said. Contract position. Three female morgue workers were fired as part of the investigation last week. The facility was expanded in 2021. I think you want to figure out how you manage these employees but, lets face it, at times, you do have folks who have issues.. "We needed more control over what's going on with managing the facility, employees that are over there," Hackel said. obtained from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office through a Freedom of Information . Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. But nothing was ever done, not even after another person filed a sexual harassment complaint against the Macomb County morgue with the EEOC in 2016, alleging a hostile work environment. Other allegations included employees mocking Blacks asking about the death of their loved ones, bullying and the displaying of pornography around the workplace. The Medical Assistant interviews patients, measures vital signs (i.e., pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight and height), and records information on patients' charts. The first three charges are each seven-year felonies, and the larceny charge is a four-year felony. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner, a Coroner & Medical Examiner, at Elizabeth Street, Clinton MI. And things have gotten worse, says the death investigator, alleging:"Within the past two years, the hostile work environment has progressively worsened and the harassment has amplified. The next court date is scheduled for May 9. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. When we hearthese types of allegations, we take them seriously and we take quick action.". "I have witnessed prior employees resign due to constant bullying and ridicule for 'not being onboard'with the office culture," the new complaint states. The prior contract was for $1.7 million. The Macomb Daily reported that the four employees, a group comprised of a two morgue technicians, an investigator and the manager, were fired on Thursday following a July 18 complaint issued by. The office identifies bodies, notifies the next of kin, and returns personal belongings to the family. The investigation has been going on for a "few months.". The new contract includes an opt-out with a 90-day notice, Hackel said, and it gives the county more control over contracted work. Terms and Conditions. "The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office does not investigate and does not try cases in the media. Your source for Local information & breaking news across southeast Michigan plus 4Warn Weather providing you . The next day, the person who made the cake approached the investigator, asking, "Did you try my cake?". The missing hydrocodone pills were not recovered. During the trial, Medical Examiner Leigh Hlavaty testified that AMar had not been fed for at least seven days. The Macomb County morgue is buriedin scandalinvolving allegationsof all sorts: Employeesmocked Blacks inquiring about loved ones' deaths, hung pornographyin the office, bullied women who complained and recently brought in a birthdaycake frosted with male genitalia artfor fun, according to a formal complaint. Schiphol - Arriving and departing, Transfers, Layovers and Luggage storage. "Its despicable that a mother would starve her child to death. The area the county should look at is the chain of command that oversees the Medical Examiners Office, which falls under the county Health Department. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Two employees with the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office are facing charges after authorities allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue.. The offensive cake was served one day after George Floyd died while in police custody, the Detroit Free Press reported. 2023 FOX Television Stations, The heaviest snow is behind us heading into the weekend, Snow storm shuts down Detroit Metro Airport, Power outages hit Metro Detroit hard as winter storm pounds area, WATCH - Jennifer Hammond talks with Detroit Titans guard Antoine Davis after coming up just short of the NCAA all-time scoring record, Suspect still wanted after brutal beating of victims after they shoveled his snow last winter in Detroit, Inside the Paint Bus - an art studio on wheels born in Detroit, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, New 5G cell tower on Wyandotte elemntary school has parents livid as meeting turns hostile, Southeast Michigan weather: The latest totals and what to expect tonight. MACOMB COUNTY, MI Three female employees at the Macomb County morgue have been fired after accusations of sexism and racist, according to reports. I dont even have access, nor want access, to the property room.. The death investigatorsays that she has often been given the responsibility of identifying the bodies of African Americans whose families have been considered "hostile" or "difficult" by office staff. 2. These can include Macomb County death certificates, local and Michigan State death registries, and the National Death Index. In addition to the county, defendants include William Ridella, retired director of Macomb County Public Health; Deputy County Executive Andrew McKinnon, who was director of Human Resources at the time; and county Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz and his company, Spitz Pathology Group. That role was fully granted to county officials. 43585 Elizabeth Road, Mt. "No, I did not have any of it. Thats not a good policy to have with an evidence room, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. 43585 Elizabeth Rd The county in July 2020 fired three county morgue employees for sexist and potentially racist behavior and late last year dismissed two others for allegedly stealing drugs collected from death scenes. In 2020, three employees were fired after alleged sexist and racist behavior, including a penis cake that showed up at the office the day after George Floyd's death. Be that as it may, as stated you are not considered fully vaccinated which is a primary vaccination series less than 270 days ago or a . I do not manage (county) employees, I do not hire, I do not fire, I do not discipline employees, Spitz said. Justice was served today for little Amar," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. But, maybe also check first with the place where she would be cremated, make sure they will take her after a couple days Back in 2017 we debunked a story that a Texas . Macomb County deputies were called at about 8 a.m. Sunday to the . All rights reserved. 43585 Elizabeth Road, Mt. The Medical Examiner's office will be closed on the following days: Medical Examiner - Frequently Asked Questions. Hackel said they do not believe the employees were working together, but were aware of what the other was doing. Two former employees of Michigan's Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office stand accused of stealing drugs from bodies at the morgue. CountyOffice.org does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). December 9, 2022 Two Macomb County employees were fired after allegedly stealing drugs from the medical examiner's office, county officials announced at a news conference Friday. Nine months later, a Ferndale man overdosed on multiple prescription pain . Full-Time. And to prevent this from happening again, the sheriff's office will take custody of medical inventory going forward because they have a better inventory process. 200,000 lose power as snowstorm blankets Detroit region, St. Mary student to compete in her fourth Macomb County Regional Spelling Bee, Macomb County prepares for inclement weather, Warren man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Royal Oak womans death, Ford to raise production as US auto sales start to recover, Man arraigned in Warren Dollar General robberies, Lorenzo Cultural Centers new program series highlights post-WWII societal change presentations, performances and exhibits, Macomb Sheriff switches motorcycle unit from Harley-Davidson to BMW, SE Michigan under winter storm warning; 6-8 inches of snow expected, Warren man charged with 2nd-degree murder in Royal Oak woman's death, Detroit firefighter charged with dealing drugs in several Macomb County cities, Sterling Heights mom has spent months looking for son, Ray Twp. MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office announced on Wednesday that a woman has been sentenced to spend at least 27 years in prison for the starvation death of her own 7-month-old son. According to the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Officer, Robertson died from multiple blunt force injuries. U.S. District Judge Terreance Berg wrote In his 2021 ruling to dismiss the public-policy claim but maintain the free speech and whistleblower protection claims that Spitzs exact role was not clear but that he did have some influence in decision-making at the time of Struckels firing. Jocelyn Fetting, 32, is accused of taking drugs from the medical examiners office with intent to sell them, officials said. The cake was taken into the conference area, which also served as the office lunch room, where it wasshared by morgue workers and supervisors. Hayden brought the 7-month-old to the emergency room where a physician tried to save the baby's life. A man working for a company contracted by the Wayne County morgue is accused of breaking into a home of a deceased person he reportedly helped transport the day prior. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. First published on February 2, 2023 / 6:38 PM. The Free Press has agreed to withhold the employee's name at this time because of the nature of the complaint and her concerns about retaliation. . The crude confection lingered in a lunchroom at the Macomb County Medical Examiner's . The Macomb Daily reported that the four employees, a group comprised of a two morgue technicians, an investigator and the manager, were fired on Thursday following a July 18 complaint issued by another employee. Macomb, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Wayne 313-577-2890 business hours 313-577-1198 after hours/weekends In no case may a funeral director apply for SER for an unclaimed body. 2023 FOX Television Stations, allege they stole drugs from people at the morgue, The heaviest snow is behind us heading into the weekend, Snow storm shuts down Detroit Metro Airport, Power outages hit Metro Detroit hard as winter storm pounds area, WATCH - Jennifer Hammond talks with Detroit Titans guard Antoine Davis after coming up just short of the NCAA all-time scoring record, Suspect still wanted after brutal beating of victims after they shoveled his snow last winter in Detroit, Inside the Paint Bus - an art studio on wheels born in Detroit, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, New 5G cell tower on Wyandotte elemntary school has parents livid as meeting turns hostile, Southeast Michigan weather: The latest totals and what to expect tonight. Investigators said the chain of drug custody caught their eye, and some workers were concerned about people pocketing some of the drugs. Sticky notes with genitalia scrawled on them. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, The Detroit Free Press reported. That really pushed me over the edge.". Find 4 Coroners & Medical Examiners within 36.2 miles of Wayne County Medical Examiner & Coroner. All rights reserved. A fourth member of staff is currently under investigation, Macomb County's Director of Human Resources, Andrew. According to McKinnon, the current investigation does not involvechief Medical Examiner Dr. Daniel Spitz, who is a contract employee with the county. The county signed a new contract with an office management company to oversee the process. The death of Floyd, a Black man who died while in the custody of Minneapolis police and with an officer's knee on his neck, has sparked protests against police brutality around the nation. She switched to thenight shift for awhile. (586) 469-5214. The employees, a 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, allegedly took some drugs instead of properly disposing of them. The death investigator tells a different story. At a Friday morning news conference held at the offices of the Communications and Technology Center and Roads Department in Mount Clemens, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel announced two. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read more Health - Medical Examiner Fees "I was livid furious actually," the woman told the Free Press. Find Death Records and Vital Records related to Macomb County Medical Examiner & Coroner. Information found on CountyOffice.org is strictly for informational purposes and does not construe legal, financial or medical advice. More:Friends remember Detroit sports media mainstay Jamie Samuelsen, "There has been an ongoing hostile work environment within the Medical Examiner's Office since I have been here," the July 18 complaint states. ", Later that day, the investigator went to the conference room and saw the cake was still on the counter, covered by a brown paper towel. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Macomb County Morgue locations in Adair, MI. Patch has reached out to Macomb County officials for additional information. The assistant prosecutors trying the case argued to have her sentence be at the top of the guidelines and succeeded. Location The Macomb County Health Department operates the Medical Examiner's (ME) office, which is charged with investigating deaths due to violence, accidents and those not attended by a physician. Hackel and Sheriff Anthony Wickersham did not reveal the type of drugs that the employees allegedly pilfered. That employee was fired after filing her EEOC complaint, which is still pending. Confiscation of the drugs is used to determine whether a toxicology report stemming from an autopsy matches drugs found at the scene. Job specializations: Administrative/Clerical. They were given a $5,000 personal bond. Job in Woodstock - McHenry County - IL Illinois - USA , 60098. Officers caught up with Carnell Franklin-Smith, 34, and Benjamin Pearce, 29, who had been at the house the day before to transport James Davis' body to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. Abuse of prescription medications along with heroin and fentanyl/fentanyl-analogs continue to be major concerns in Macomb County. The death investigator says multiple people have complained about the "unprofessional decorum" in the past, but to no avail. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Fetting is charged with conspiracy to commit controlled substance - delivery/manufacture, two counts of controlled substance delivery/manufacture, and larceny in a building. Another one alleging similar claims was filed in 2016 and is still pending. Secretary /Deputy Coroner. THREE employees at a morgue in Michigan have been fired after a worker brought a cake decorated with an image of a black penis into the lunch room, according to a report.