x
Breaking News
More () »

Georgia county's coroner arrested, faces 24 felony counts

He faces two counts of misappropriation of funds and 22 counts of theft by conversion.

GRAY, Ga. (AP) — An interim coroner is in place in a Georgia county after its coroner resigned following his arrest on 24 felony counts.

News outlets report 76-year-old Jerry Bridges Sr. resigned from the Jones County Coroner's Office after being arrested Tuesday. He faces two counts of misappropriation of funds and 22 counts of theft by conversion.

Sheriff's Lt. Kenny Gleaton says Bridges is accused of pocketing at least $100,000 from 22 clients with "pre-need" accounts at his business, Bridges Funeral Home, which closed last year. Gleaton says state law requires pre-arranged funeral funds be placed in an escrow account.

Deputy Coroner Matt Jarratt has been appointed interim coroner.

Bridges is free on a $100,000 property bond. It was unknown if he's represented by an attorney.

***

Abortion law in Georgia | DAs say they won't prosecute women

Gang members sentenced in 'the most horrific death' in recent county history

Child sex sting: 82 arrested in Operation Southern Impact III

Sophie's Nightmare: How a Georgia mother allowed her boyfriend to impregnate her 10-year-old

Video shows healthcare staff punching, beating disabled man with belt

Before You Leave, Check This Out