Ventura’s Medical Examiner Under Criminal Investigation

Dr. Jon Smith may be under criminal investigation for “unauthorized post-mortem procedures” for his work as Ventura County’s Medical Examiner, but in Santa Barbara County — where he works for Sheriff and Coroner Bill Brown as one of the county’s two forensic pathologists — Smith remains on the clock for performing autopsies.

Brown’s spokesperson Kelly Hoover said the Sheriffs Department conducted “extensive research” into the protocols and practices of Dr. Smith. “We are confident that our Coroner’s Unit protocols and practices were and are lawful as were the services provided by Dr. Smith on behalf of our Coroner’s Unit.” Hoover added, “We have not been made aware of any irregularities in our County.”

Smith has been working on a contract basis for the past four years. His most recent contract — approved May 19 — caps his maximum pay at $290,000 a year. The Coroner’s Unit performs as many as six autopsies a week and as few as none.