Cook morgue facing federal scrutiny

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Friday her office is working with federal labor department agents to correct a series of violations at the county medical examiner’s office. The office has been under scrutiny for months after media reports of improperly stored human remains. In addition to the federal investigation, Preckwinkle’s office was also conducting an internal investigation simultaneously. As a result of the 21-count violation order, the office will undergo a number of safety policy and procedural changes, Preckwinkle said. Workers have also undergone a series of health tests to screen for hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Chief Medical Examiner Nancy Jones retired recently amid the scandals plaguing her office.