Perry Co., MO coroner sentenced for theft, financial exploitation

PERRY COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - A Perry County, Missouri coroner was sentenced to two, seven-year sentences on Friday, December 11.

Both sentences will be served concurrently, but Herbert Miller was granted a suspended execution of sentence. He also received five years of supervised probation.

A jury found Miller guilty of theft and financial exploitation in October.

Miller was accused of writing checks totaling $80,600 as a power of attorney to himself on behalf of a 94-year-old woman with dementia and other cognitive disabilities.

The woman appointed Miller as her power of attorney in 2004.

Miller is still, by law, the county coroner.

According to Missouri State Statute 561.021, two things can happen in regards to Miller's position as the county coroner.

Miller may resign, or the county commission or prosecuting attorney will submit a letter to the attorney general requesting that Miller step down quo warranto. They would then file and the begin court proceedings for Miller to step down.

If a vacancy does occur, the county sheriff will step in until the governor appoints someone new to the position.

The Perry County Commission issued the following statement on Monday, Dec. 14 in regards to Miller's sentencing:

"The County Commission is actively communicating with the Missouri Attorney General's office as well as working with our local prosecuting attorney, regarding the recent conviction of our County Coroner Herbert Miller, to take steps to resolve the matter of Miller's elective office as soon as possible."

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