NEWS / Coroner Charged with Theft and Fraud, Faces Removal Amidst Controversy Over Death Certificates

In a stunning turn of events, the coroner of Cape Girardeau County, Wavis Jordan, finds himself at the center of a legal storm as Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed charges against him. Jordan, who admitted to journalists in 2021 that his office doesn't handle COVID-19 deaths and confessed to not personally investigating deaths, now faces three felonies and a misdemeanor. The charges include stealing from a deceased person and falsifying multiple death certificates.

The allegations against Jordan are grave, as they strike at the heart of his official duties. His approach to handling deaths has raised serious concerns, particularly regarding the accuracy of death certificates. According to the Missouri Independent, Jordan's actions were not only unethical but also potentially harmful to the community's understanding of mortality trends, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bailey minced no words in expressing his determination to hold Jordan accountable, stating, as quoted by the Missouri Independent, "As Attorney General, I will always work to hold accountable those who refuse to do their job as required by Missouri statute." The gravity of the situation is underscored by Bailey's petition to remove Jordan from office, a move aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring proper handling of future cases.

Jordan's response to the charges was brief but pointed. He claimed the charges were unjust, framing the issue as a racial one. However, such claims do little to mitigate the seriousness of the allegations leveled against him.

One of the pivotal aspects of this case revolves around Jordan's handling of COVID-19 deaths. His insistence on requiring families to provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test before including it on a death certificate runs counter to established guidelines. This policy not only disregards scientific recommendations but also potentially skews the true picture of COVID-19-related mortality in Cape Girardeau County.

The impact of Jordan's actions extends beyond legal and procedural matters; it directly affects families who have lost loved ones. Christina Reinagel, who experienced firsthand the challenges posed by Jordan's policies, expressed her hope that no other family would endure similar hardships. Her brother's death certificate, initially delayed due to Jordan's requirements, highlights the human toll of bureaucratic inefficiencies and questionable practices.

Moreover, the timing of these charges is significant, coming just weeks before the opening of filing for state and county offices. Jordan's intention to seek reelection adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation. The allegations of theft and fraud further tarnish his reputation and raise serious doubts about his fitness to hold office.

The case against Jordan underscores broader issues within the coroner system, including a lack of training, funding, and standardization across states. The discrepancies in how deaths are investigated and documented highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and accountability.

As this legal saga unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of upholding the integrity of death certificates. Inaccuracies and omissions not only erode public trust but also hinder efforts to address public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the pursuit of justice, it is imperative that all parties involved adhere to the highest ethical standards and prioritize the well-being of the community. Only through accountability and transparency can we hope to prevent similar lapses in the future and uphold the integrity of our institutions.

A&M Logos International can help you retrieve certified copies of the death certificates of your loved ones and then get them apostilled or authenticated for use in any country. Call us today at (212) 233-7061 or e-mail us at info@apostille.us. You can also apply on our website.