Corruption Probe Halts Mohave County’s Medical Examiner Contract Decision

Mohave County faces a pivotal decision surrounding the management of its Medical Examiner’s Office. Three years ago, the county outsourced the role to Serenity Memorial Group, a private funeral business, due to an urgent need following the retirement of Medical Examiner Archaeus Mosley. Now, allegations of corruption and incompetence have surfaced, prompting county officials to reconsider their options.

Serenity Memorial Group took over the office’s operations under a $92,500 monthly contract in 2021. The arrangement faced scrutiny from local funeral homes and a group of interested certified forensic pathologists. This week, the county’s governing board deliberated over renewing the contract, ultimately choosing to postpone the decision until August 19. In the interim, officials will explore a one-year extension.

Critics, including Naomi Bradbury of Bradbury Memorial Center, have voiced concerns about John Hassett’s management. Bradbury criticized the initial decision to award the contract to Serenity and highlighted the lack of qualified forensic pathologists overseeing the operations.

The utilization of a private contractor for such services is unusual in Arizona, where the state requires these roles to be filled by certified pathologists. Nonetheless, Serenity Memorial was the sole respondent in 2021 when the county sought interest in taking over the office. Serenity managed administrative duties while retaining Mosley for examinations.

Licensed pathologist Ryan Swapp, a former Yuma Medical Examiner, has shown interest in the role through Monolith Forensics. Swapp and his colleagues are state-certified pathologists, which Bradbury argues is crucial. Swapp challenged Serenity’s management, noting that board certification is essential for credibility and raising concerns about potential legal liabilities for the county.

Accusations of corruption against John Hassett prompted an investigation by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office this year. Funeral homes reported inconsistencies and alleged mismanagement, including the misallocation of bodies and delays in autopsies.

Hassett responded to the allegations, asserting that he never claimed to be a forensic pathologist. His involvement, he stated, stemmed from a business perspective with the intent to maintain continuity in the office’s operations. He emphasized that the initial arrangement was a necessity due to the lack of interest from other parties at the time.

As the county board evaluates its options, the decision holds significant implications for the future management of the Medical Examiner’s Office, impacting public trust and operational integrity. The upcoming deliberations will determine whether the county continues with Serenity Memorial or transitions to new oversight.