SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) -- The longtime coroner for Savannah and surrounding Chatham County has resigned after an audit questioned more than $200,000 in expenses billed to the county over the last decade.
Dr. James C. Metts Jr. resigned on Dec. 14, barely a month after winning re-election. The 81-year-old coroner cited his age and personal circumstances.
Chatham County officials ordered an audit of Metts' expenses over the summer. A draft report last month showed Metts was reimbursed $46,930 over 18 months to pay a secretary, though no such position existed. Other expenses billed to the county included insurance for personal automobiles and a $1,638 payment to the county Republican Party.
The newspaper says it contacted Metts and he declined to comment.
Associated Press