Coroner’s Department

The duties and responsibilities of the County Coroner are many and varied, but in essence can be described as the investigative arm of St. Clair County Government concerning deaths of an unexpected, violent or criminal nature.

The Office of Coroner, by Illinois State Statute, (55 ILCS 5/3-3007), is a Law Enforcement Agency. Each Coroner shall be conservator of the peace in his county, and in the performance of his duties as such, shall have the same power as the sheriff.

To report a death after business hours contact us at 618-233-4442 or in case of emergency dial 911.

The main functions of this office include:

• Respond to and investigate deaths that occur outside of hospital or clinical settings with such investigations including scene analysis, photography, sketching, witness interviews, body examination, and utilization of other forensic tests as indicated.
• Under mandate of law, investigate the death of any ward of the State of Illinois.
• Operate and maintain the St. Clair County Morgue for the purpose of conducting scientific and forensic post-mortem examination of human remains and for holding of unidentified/unclaimed human remains pending disposition.
• Maintain the property, monies, and personal effects of decedents processed through the coroner's office.
• Conduct public and community education programs regarding topics such as: Drinking and Driving, Traffic Safety, Substance Abuse, and Crime/Death Scene Response.
• Training and maintaining a cadre of reserve, volunteer deputy coroners for the management of disaster or mass casualty events.
• To report to the State of Illinois all child deaths, boating fatalities, traffic fatalities, work-related fatalities.
• Service of legal process when the Sheriff is party to a suit or when such process by the sheriff would be a conflict of interest.
• Enforcement of Grave Robbery Act. As promulgated by Illinois Historical Preservation Agency per Illinois Compiled Statutes.
• Issue Death Certificates and Cremation Permits

Coroner’s Staff

Chief Deputy Coroner Anthony Sikora, Coroner Calvin Dye, SR. , Office Manager Kara Welch

Administrative Assistant Latoshi Flakes, Coroner Calvin Dye, Sr., Office Manager Kara Welch 

First Row- Deputy Coroner John Peery, Deputy Coroner Matt Lipham, Deputy Coroner Tom Boyd
Back Row- Commission Deputy/ Transporter Pete Sawyer , Chief Deputy Coroner Anthony Sikora, Deputy Coroner James Nichols, Deputy Coroner Jeremiah Campbell

Chief Deputy Coroner  -  Anthony Sikora

​Office Manager  -  Kara Welch

​Office Administrative Assistant  -  ​Latoshi Flakes

Deputy Coroners

John Peery
Tom Boyd
Tony Sikora
Jeremiah Campbell
Matt Lipham
James Nichols

Coroner’s Fees 
The State of Illinois has set the following fees for the Coroner's Office:

• A copy of an autopsy report:  $50.00
• A copy of a toxicology report:   $25.00
• A copy of the Coroner’s Death Investigation Report:  $25.00
• For each copy of miscellaneous reports, including artist's drawings but not including police reports:  actual cost or $25.00, whichever is greater.
• A Coroner's or Medical Examiner's permit to cremate a dead body:  $50.00.

Fees for the above items when released for copying are controlled by Public Act 84-337 of the Illinois Revised Statutes as stated above, effective July 22, 2010. Payment must be received in advance.

All other Public information released from the Coroner's Office will be controlled by the Freedom of Information Act, Public Act 83-1013 on file in this office.

Deputy Coroner Requirements

 EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPUTY CORONER POSITION

As Coroner, I am often asked what qualifications are required to be a full time death scene investigator for this office. There is no standard requirement in the State of Illinois. It is up to each Coroner to determine qualifications for his or her county.

If you wish to be considered for employment as a St. Clair County deputy coroner investigator, you must be a U.S. citizen, a St. Clair County resident within 6 months of hire, minimum 21 years of age, possess a valid driver's license, have a clean police record, high school diploma or GED, and experience with law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, nursing or field employment in a medico legal investigative office.

If you submit an application, you should be prepared for the following to be considered for employment:

1. Pass an extensive background check into your character, including but not limited to, criminal history check, personal references, independent references, prior work history, educational history, health issues and financial reports.
2. Pass a drug screen test
3. Pass an oral interview before a two or three member panel.
4. Must live in St. Clair County within the first 6 months of employment
5. Must meet all requirements and qualifications as needed for employment by St. Clair County
6. Must be at least 21 years old
7. Must have a valid driver’s license
8. Must have a high school diploma, or GED
9. Should have some experience with law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, nursing or funeral service.
10. Must be able to read, write and understand the English language, use a computer, and complete written reports.

All of the above-listed requirements must be met before being considered for employment. There is no residency requirement to apply for the position but you must become a resident of St. Clair County, Illinois within six months of being hired.

Organization Affiliations:

STARRS Program (St. Louis Area Regional Response System)
Illinois Coroner’s and Medical Examiners Association
Metro East Police District Commission
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #262