Jasman resigns as deputy coroner

EPHRATA - Jerry Jasman won't sign any more death certificates until the Grant County prosecutor's lawsuit against him is resolved.

Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison made the request in a letter accepting Jasman's resignation as deputy coroner. Jasman maintains his position as chief investigator.

"Regrettably, in light of the lawsuit that our prosecutor has filed against me, I feel like the only responsible and honorable thing to due under the circumstances is to submit my resignation as deputy coroner," Jasman wrote. "I do not intend to resign from my position as chief investigator. I will use my best efforts to discharge my responsibilities and minimize the interference that this lawsuit creates for the business of the coroner's office."

Jasman's attorney, George Ahrend, explained the letter was not an admission Jasman shouldn't hold the position.

"The resignation was tendered because Mr. Jasman believed it was the responsible and honorable thing to do until the lawsuit filed by Mr. Lee is resolved, and Mr. Jasman's ability to serve as deputy prosecutor and sign death certificates is confirmed by the court," Ahrend stated.

Whether Jasman was sworn in to the position is disputed between Prosecutor Angus Lee's civil suit and Ahrend.

Grant County Auditor Dave Firebaugh stated he never received a sworn oath, but Ahrend stated Jasman took the oath and served as both the chief investigator and deputy coroner.

Lee's lawsuit revolves around Jasman's 2009 plea to disorderly conduct. Jasman, then the coroner, trapped his chief deputy, Lynette Hanson, in his truck, while he drove down Wheeler Road, according to court records. The two were arguing, when he became angry and started yelling at her while driving between 65 and 70 mph.

As part of the sentence, Jasman "acknowledged forfeiture of his right to hold public office," according to court records. He left the office and was replaced by Dave Matney.

Morrison ran against Matney in the November 2010 election, and won. After he took office, he appointed Jasman as his chief investigator, according to court records.

Civil Deputy Prosecutor Lee Pence argued both the coroner and deputy coroner positions are public offices, and only a deputy coroner can fill in for a coroner on signing death certificates in cases of unnatural deaths, such as murder and suicide.

Jasman signed death certificates in at least one murder case and other suicides, including the death certificate for Joaquin O. Serrano, according to court files. Serrano was reportedly shot and killed by Gilberto Valdovinos Medina, 23, Moses Lake. Valdovinos is presently charged with first-degree murder in Grant County Superior Court.

Lee stated Jasman signing the death certificates makes them invalid, and inadmissible in court, meaning his office can't use them to prove the cause of death.

"Mr. Jasman's signing of death certificates negatively impacts the most serious cases this office prosecutes," Lee stated. "The simple solution to this problem is for the coroner to sign death certificates on cases Mr. Jasman investigates."

Ahrend disagreed, citing a Washington Supreme Court ruling concerning the previous law governing county officials. The ruling stated deputies aren't public officials.

The courts haven't seemed to rule on the present state law, Ahrend said.

The attorney sent two letters to Lee hoping to get an idea of what the legal foundation Lee was using for his argument, Ahrend said. He hasn't received a reply.

The letters ask several questions including why Lee didn't consult with the Grant County Coroner's Office prior to filing the lawsuit.

"Although, Mr. Morrison acknowledges discussion relatively early in his tenure about your objections to Mr. Jasman as deputy coroner, he thought you had acquiesced and that the matter was resolved based on the extended period of no action," Ahrend wrote.

Lee attempted to work with Morrison informally, but decided to file the suit after it seemed Jasman wasn't going to stop signing death certificates, he previously stated.

The prosecutor's office reportedly consulted with a Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners board member, two coroners, three prosecutors and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys about the issue, Lee stated.

Lee declined to provide any additional comments in response to Ahrend's letters.