Mohave County Cuts Ties with Controversial Medical Examiner

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors recently voted to discontinue a proposed contract with Serenity Memorial Services for medical examiner administration services. This decision arose during a meeting on Monday, reflecting concerns about the temporary nature of the arrangement, which had been in place since 2021 under a contract costing the county $98,500 per month.

County officials had always intended the agreement with Serenity to be a short-term solution, while seeking a more sustainable long-term option. The board has now identified two potential alternatives: utilizing a new sheriff’s substation in Lake Havasu City or leasing morgue facilities from Kingman Regional Medical Center. A unanimous vote by supervisors also tasked staff with investigating the feasibility of these options.

Currently, Mohave County uniquely relies on a private contractor for medical examiner services, contrasting with Arizona’s other 14 counties. The supervisors voted against renewing the contract with Serenity, pushing for a more integrated approach to county-run medical examiner operations.

In a related investigation, allegations emerged against Serenity regarding conflicts of interest and operational misconduct. Local funeral homes voiced concerns about the practices of Serenity owner John Hassett, culminating in a formal complaint and subsequent sheriff’s investigation. Witness accounts highlighted issues, including the improper storage of remains and delayed autopsy reports.

Despite these serious claims, the sheriff’s office found no evidence of criminal conduct linked to Hassett. Investigators indicated procedural errors had occurred but emphasized that the alleged criminal activity was unsupported. Sheriff Doug Schuster confirmed there were procedural lapses, but he did not substantiate allegations against Serenity or Hassett.

Discussions around the future of the medical examiner’s office remain contentious. Supervisor Jean Bishop noted that while mistakes may have been made, misunderstandings have fueled community concerns and suspicions. Emphasizing the need for clarity, Bishop stated that further exploration into utilizing sheriff facilities for a morgue could meet both budgetary and operational needs.

The board’s decision marks a turning point in how medical examiner services are administered in Mohave County. Board-certified forensic pathologist Ryan Swapp has also offered his services, indicating a possible shift towards more specialized oversight of the medical examiner’s office.

Hassett, who has faced scrutiny, continues to manage his contractual obligations with the county. Commentary from Hassett at the board meeting underlined a commitment to community service, while recognizing the need for the county to assume responsibility for medical examiner functions.

As the county moves forward, the current arrangement with Serenity will remain in effect until November 31, indicating a transitional phase as officials evaluate the best path ahead.