Controversy is unfolding in McDonough County as McDonough County Coroner Eric R. Jameson issued a public statement on Friday announcing what he described as the “forced resignation” of longtime Deputy Coroner Dave Burnham. According to Eric Jameson, the decision was not made by him or Deputy Burnham but mandated by McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout. Sheriff Nicholas Petitgout issued a response in a Facebook post.
A long-standing arrangement allowing sheriff’s deputies to serve simultaneously as deputy coroners has come under scrutiny following a recent decision by the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Burnham has been informed he can no longer hold both his current deputy sheriff and Coroner’s Office roles, a practice reportedly permitted without issue for over a decade. Sheriff’s Office union rules state that the sheriff has the authority over outside employment. Past concerns about overlapping pay, or “double dipping,” were addressed by placing Burnham on a flat monthly stipend. Officials maintain the arrangement has been transparent and in line with previous practice.
“This is a matter of potential Department of Labor law violations,” stated Sheriff Nicholas M. Petitgout.
“The unexpected termination of this arrangement represents not only a disservice to the citizens of McDonough County, but also a personal and political attack directed at me,” Jameson wrote, adding that he has publicly stated he does not support Petitgout’s re-election bid.
“Furthermore, I would like to apologize to Deputy David Burnham for being brought into these election shenanigans. Deputy Burnham is a man of great integrity and loved by all. The staff of the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office should not be subjected to unnecessary scrutiny or used for political leverage,” said Sheriff Petitgout.
Jameson is raising concerns after recent challenges to Burnham’s dual roles, insisting there’s no history of conflict between his responsibilities. He emphasized that Burnham has consistently maintained a clear boundary between his duties and adhered to all required standards. Jameson warned that changing this practice could have negative consequences, impacting not just the office but also the wider community.
“I do not believe having a Deputy Sheriff acting in the capacity of a Deputy Coroner is a cost savings to the County of McDonough,” said Petitgout.
Jameson alleged that Petitgout is “allowing personal feelings to influence official decisions,” calling the sheriff’s actions “self-serving” and harmful to public trust.
“His experience, professionalism, and institutional knowledge have been essential to the effective operation of the Coroner’s Office,” Jameson said. “The removal of such a dedicated public servant weakens the office’s ability to respond promptly and compassionately to the needs of our community.”
The McDonough County Sheriff’s Office is responding to recent claims made by the county coroner, who alleged that a sheriff’s deputy was “forced” to resign from his role as deputy coroner. Sheriff Nicholas Petitgout clarified that rules around off-duty employment are determined by union contracts, with final discretion resting with his office. Petitgout cited labor law requirements, including overtime pay for county employees working more than 40 hours per week in any capacity. He expressed concerns about cost efficiency and stressed that Deputy Burnham’s situation should not be used for political purposes, emphasizing Burnham’s integrity and service to the community.
Full Statement from McDonough County Sheriff Nicholas M. Petitgout:
