YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice appeared in court Friday, January 31 for his arraignment, pleading not guilty to multiple charges.
Curtice faces three charges, including making false statements to a public servant, tampering with physical evidence, and official misconduct.
A court order outlines Curtice’s conditions of release. He was seen by Judge Brian Sanderson during the proceedings.
The order specifies that Curtice must appear in court as ordered and maintain contact with his attorney within a week.
Additionally, Curtice is prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs and must not commit any criminal law violations.
A concerned community member expressed frustration, stating, “I think it’s worth just emphasizing how long this can drag out with him… taking pay from the public while tying up our system. And reminding the public that he is next in line to be sheriff, if the sheriff is out of action, and that it’s just wild that he is still holding on to this job.”
Yakima Police said in its investigation that Curtis admitted to stealing drugs off dead bodies in his office, taking the pills at work and faking evidence to pass the story off as an attempted poisoning.
Curtice’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 21.
