The campaign chairman for a local candidate for coroner has asked state officials to investigate incumbent Barbara Richardson.
Duane Barcena, chairman for Democratic challenger James Brophy, claims that Richardson has used deputy coroners as ”political patronage workers and personal valets.” He made the allegations in a letter sent to Atty. Gen. Roland Burris late last week.
An attorney general`s spokesman said Monday that Burris has received the request and will review it for possible action.
Among the documents Barcena submitted is a statement by a former employee of the coroner`s office. Ray Blocker, a former medical investigator, charges that Richardson ordered him to move furniture, work as a security guard at a private function and perform other personal chores for her while he worked for the coroner`s office.
Brophy has made similar allegations before. His campaign did not submit a formal request for an investigation until Thursday.
Richardson denied the allegations last week after Brophy made them during a news conference. Efforts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful Monday after Barcena`s letter was released.