Cape Girardeau, Missouri – The former coroner of Cape Girardeau County, who previously admitted to not handling COVID-related deaths and failing to personally investigate deaths as required by law, now faces charges of theft and falsifying death certificates. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed three felony charges and one misdemeanor against Wavis Jordan and has requested his immediate removal from office. The judge has temporarily replaced Jordan with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff until further notice.
The charges stem from an incident where Jordan was accused of stealing from a deceased person and providing inaccurate information on death certificates. If convicted, Jordan could face up to 12 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. These charges come after numerous complaints about Jordan’s work, including instances where he listed incorrect causes of death on death certificates.
Jordan, a Republican elected in 2020 without prior experience in handling deceased individuals, is facing backlash for his actions. In one incident, Jordan returned a deceased person’s wallet without the cash, leading to accusations of theft. Additionally, he allegedly mislabeled causes of death, potentially impacting families seeking closure and accurate information.
Furthermore, complaints about Jordan’s work have raised concerns about the accuracy of death certificates in Cape Girardeau County. There have been allegations of bias in handling cases, with families and officials questioning the validity of Jordan’s practices. The legal proceedings against Jordan highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in coroner’s offices to ensure the trust and integrity of the justice system.
The unfolding case against Jordan sheds light on the challenges faced by coroners in rural areas, where resources and training may be limited. The discrepancies in handling death investigations emphasize the need for standardized procedures and proper training to ensure accurate reporting. As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits resolution and a potential shift in leadership to restore confidence in the coroner’s office.
The allegations against Jordan have sparked conversations about the importance of upholding ethical standards and fulfilling duties with integrity in public office. The impact of his actions extends beyond individual cases, highlighting the broader implications of inaccuracies in death investigations. Moving forward, it remains crucial to address systemic issues and implement reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.