3 Adams County Coroner's Investigators Leave In 24 Hour Period

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that three full-time death investigators for the Adams County Coroner's Office left in a single 24-hour period last week, with several of them complaining they quit because it was a "negative work environment." A fourth office employee quit several months ago complaining it was an "awful" work environment.

Coroner Monica Broncucia-Jordan told CBS4 her office is not being impacted by the sudden departures as both she and a deputy coroner have begun taking investigator shifts and filling in.

"They were my 20-something employees," explained Broncucia-Jordan, who said there was "some strain between the younger group and some older employees." She said other employees still at the coroner's office have no complaints.

Broncucia-Jordan said on June 6 she fired a female death investigator.

"We had a lot of issues with her," said the coroner.

Shortly after, another investigator resigned. He said there had been ongoing friction that led to his resignation. Shortly after that, another female investigator also resigned.

Broncucia-Jordan says her office still has five full-time death investigators but will be looking to fill the newly vacated positions.

Another employee -- an administrative clerk -- quit several months ago, contending the office environment was "awful." She said she and the other recently departed employees are planning to consult with an attorney on possible legal options.

- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com