Crawford Coroner awaiting suspension decision from governor

ROBERTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Crawford County Coroner is waiting to hear if he will be suspended from his job until his trial is over.

Governor Nathan Deal appointed a review commission to hear testimony from both sides.

Crawford Coroner Allen O’Neal claims he didn’t violate his oath of office when he refused to a coroner call in May. His attorney tells 41NBC O’Neal maintains the call didn’t require a coroner because the person died of natural causes after a visit to the hospital. Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney David Cooke said there is enough evidence to move the case forward.

O’Neal’s attorney said the commission has 14 days to make a recommendation to the Governor. She also explained the review commission is standard for any elected official who is indicted. A grand jury charged O’Neal with violating his oath of office in June.

O’Neal’s trial is expected to start on December 7.