Charges Lead Lake County Coroner to Resign

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran is currently overseeing operations in the Coroner’s Office after Dr. Richard Keller resigned on Tuesday.

Keller, the county's coroner, was charged with obstructing justice and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, according to Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller.

Keller pled guilty to the two felony counts that alleged he provided methadone to staff and clients at the Green Dragonfly Clinic in Waukegan without proper medical exams. The doctor is accused of withholding the required documentation, which authorities had subpoenaed.

After pleading guilty to both charges, Keller immediately resigned his post of six years on Tuesday, and is required to give up his medical license as well.

Under state statute, Curran will fill the role until a new county coroner takes over.

“I’m ready and able to take on this role and perform these duties professionally and responsibly until a replacement is in place,” Curran said.

Curran will be in charge of operations until the county board appoints a replacement. That candidate will serve the remainder of Keller’s term that ends in November 2012.

County Board Chairman David Stolman is accepting applications for the position of coroner, who is “responsible for investigating the manner and cause of deaths occurring within Lake County." 

“Due to these regrettable circumstances, we must take swift action. Since the appointment process will take some time, the sheriff will manage day-to-day operations to ensure continuity of services, and to protect the public’s interest,” Stolman said.

Illinois law mandates Stolman to appoint someone to fill the vacant position within 60 days. That person must be from the same political party of the vacating official, who is a Democrat.

Applicants and residents can head to the county government's website for more information on the position.