Judge Dismisses Three Charges Against Hocking County Coroner

A judge has dismissed four of five misdemeanor charges against Hocking County coroner David Cummin, alleging he failed to perform some of the duties of his job. The judge says there is not sufficient evidence to proceed with three dereliction-of-duty charges and one obstructing official business charge. County commissioners with whom Cummin has been engaged in a budget battle say he left some duties uncovered when out of town. They also say he tried to blackmail them into providing more money by refusing to release the body of a gunshot victim for an autopsy until the funding was authorized. Cummin denies any wrongdoing. He goes on trial next month.