Residents and a supervisor press board over medical examiner contract and alleged misstatements by director
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Summary
The board heard allegations that the medical examiner operations director, John Hassett, misrepresented his ties to a funeral/cemetery entity; Hassett’s counsel disputed the claim and said Hassett had no ownership interest. A resolution alleging false statements failed for lack of a second.
Supervisor Gould introduced a resolution (2025‑191) alleging that John Hassett, director of operations for the county medical examiner, lied at an earlier hearing about his relationships with cemetery and funeral‑service entities and asked the board to act. Legal counsel for Hassett, Tashara Elias, told the board that a Mohave County Sheriff’s Office report shows Hassett has ‘‘no ownership interest’’ in the acquiring entity (FPG) and that he is listed as a broker pro bono to enable lawful cemetery sales. Elias said Hassett receives no compensation and does not participate in daily operations of FPG.
Several members of the public described disturbing video and scene‑handling concerns related to a death investigation and urged the board to rescind or reopen the procurement for medical examiner services. A public commenter said the handling of a loved one’s body in disclosed video portions was “disgusting, horrifying, and cruel.” The county attorney said his office would review relevant materials; however, a motion to approve the proposed resolution died for lack of a second.
The board did not remove or suspend the contract at this meeting. County staff and the county attorney’s office will review the documentary record referenced by speakers and counsel.
