(WFRV) – Criminal charges have been filed against former Ozaukee County Coroner Timothy Deppisch following an investigation into alleged irregularities involving official records and reimbursement claims.
Deppisch has been charged with two counts of misconduct in public office, both Class I felonies under Wisconsin law.
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According to the criminal complaint, one count alleges that in December 2022, Deppisch intentionally falsified entries in an official report or record related to his duties as coroner. The second count alleges a similar offense in September 2022, also involving the alleged falsification of official records.
The investigation began Feb. 23, 2023, when the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the county’s newly appointed medical examiner of potential discrepancies in travel expense vouchers submitted by the former coroner.
Investigators determined that Deppisch submitted reimbursement requests for travel to funeral homes outside of Ozaukee County. However, multiple funeral home representatives reportedly told authorities that Deppisch had not been present at their facilities as claimed. Authorities also identified discrepancies between the mileage reported and the locations listed in the reimbursement records.
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As coroner, Deppisch’s duties included issuing death certifications and cremation permits, which required personal verification of the deceased and inquiry into the cause and manner of death. He was elected in 2016 and served until January 2023, when the position transitioned from an elected coroner to an appointed medical examiner system.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.
