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Judge Rules Butler County Coroner Can Stay, Despite Mistakes

Cincinnati Enquirer

A judge has ruled that the Butler County coroner accused of mishandling death scenes and abandoning evidence can remain in her position. Judge John Webster Kessler on Monday ruled that Judith Varnau can remain, because plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking Varnau's removal from office didn't provide "clear and convincing evidence" of her errors. A Mt. Orab couple sued in April. They accuse Varnau of declaring their son's death a suicide too quickly and making investigative mistakes that will prevent them from ever knowing the truth. The suit was accompanied by a petition signed by 2,300 county residents calling for Varnau's removal.