PUEBLO - Today, Governor Polis called for Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter to resign immediately after gross misconduct was revealed by an inspection by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies earlier this week. The Governor also declared a disaster emergency to mobilize state resources to respond to the incident, and protect public health and safety. The declaration also encourages Pueblo County to seek and other counties to provide support for the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office operations and the ongoing mitigation and investigation of Davis Mortuary.
“I’m sickened for the families of the loved ones who are impacted by this unacceptable misconduct. It is clear public trust has been lost and Mr. Cotter must resign as the Pueblo County Coroner immediately. He should be investigated and if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one should ever have to wonder if their loved one is being taken care of with dignity and respect after they’ve passed, and Mr. Cotter must be held to account for his actions,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Last year, Governor Polis signed HB24-1335 - Sunset Continue Mortuary Science Code Regulation, which creates more accountability for funeral homes in Colorado, including implementing periodic inspections. This situation was discovered by inspectors from the Department of Regulatory Agencies as a result of this law.
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