Ventura County medical examiner placed on leave amid investigation

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- The Ventura County Medical Examiner, Dr. Jon J. Smith, was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday stemming from an investigation regarding unauthorized post-mortem procedures.

Smith, who has served as chief medical examiner since 2012, was placed on leave after the Ventura County Health Care Agency was made aware of the investigation, which is being conducted by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. The health agency oversees the medical examiner's office.

The agency will be conducting its own separate investigation. The internal investigation will focus on medical practices and standards within the office as well as outside employment issues, according to agency officials.

Along with Smith, an investigative specialist was placed on administrative leave. A contract medical examiner will take over Smith's duties and an administrative physician will be assigned to oversee the office during the investigation.

The investigation is expected to take several months.