New details released in indictment of coroner

Posted: Thu 11:32 AM, Jul 05, 2012

WKYT is learning new information about an indictment again an elected official.

Pulaski County coroner Richard New is accused of stealing from the funeral home where he was director.

The attorney for Lake Cumberland Funeral Home said the home's board of directors fired New in May of last year after learning of some financial matters.

The attorney said it caused the business a great deal of concern.

The board met and terminated New the same day, according to the attorney.

The funeral home forwarded its findings to a special unit of Kentucky State Police.

A grand jury indicted New on more than 20 counts of theft on Tuesday.

State police say the crimes occurred over a nine-year span and totaled about $60,000.

New's attorney, John Gillum, told WKYT's Phil Pendleton that New plans to continue his role as coroner.

In a statement, Gillum said the timing of the allegations is curious and coincidental, considering that New has just opened a new competing funeral home.

Officials say the allegations only detail New's relationship with the Lake Cumberland Funeral Home and not his role as coroner.

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