Famed ‘Concussion’ pathologist alleges autopsy interference
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — San Joaquin County’s chief medical examiner, known nationally as the doctor depicted in the movie “Concussion” about brain injuries among football players, resigned Tuesday over what he said was interference by the sheriff that has become so invasive that it borders on the unlicensed practice of medicine.
Dr. Bennet Omalu accused Sheriff-Coroner Steve Moore of routinely interfering with death investigations to protect law enforcement officers.
“I had observed long before this that the sheriff was using his political office as the coroner to influence the death investigation of persons who die while in custody or during arrest by the police,” Omalu wrote in documents he provided to The Associated Press and other media. He said the interference “has become routine practice” since last year.
Omalu said he will stop conducting autopsies immediately and noted his departure won’t take effect for three months under his county contract.