LOCKPORT, NY-- A former 4th District Niagara County Coroner and Cambria Fire Chief have pled guilty to obstruction charges for exchanging human remains at a fatal accident scene.
Investigators say 4th District Niagara County Coroner Russell Jackman,45, and Cambria Volunteer Fire Chief Vincent Salerno,50, are charged with Obstruction of Governmental Administration.
Investigators say following a fatal accident on April 13, 2012 on Route 31 in the Town of Cambria, Jackman exchanged human remains to Salerno for non-criminal use.
A source familiar with the investigation tells 2 On Your Side that the Cambria Volunteer Fire Department planned to use a small amount of remains to train a cadaver dog.
Both men had responded to the scene of the accident in their official capacities.
Both men will have to write letters of apology to the family of the victim, as well as complete 100 hours of community service at the SPCA.
Jackman resigned shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday. He sent a letter to county clerk. It simply read - "Effective immediately I resign from the position of Niagara County Coroner District 4."