Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater has assumed duties of acting sheriff following Wednesday’s arrest of James Sigman.
Lasater was operating Thursday morning from Sigman’s office on the first-floor of the Texas County Justice Center. Sigman, arrested Wednesday evening and charged with six felonies, is free on bond.
“I am very saddened by current events that have transpired in our county. I have met with the staff of the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, and they are committed as they continue to meet the needs of the county,” Lasater said. “I have found all members of the department to be dedicated and clear in their responsibility of serving the taxpayers, even during these difficult times. As coroner, and acting sheriff, I want to make it clear that I am serving in an administrative capacity as an emergency replacement for the sheriff until I am no longer needed.
“I will be physically present and available in this temporary role as I am in my elected position as coroner.”
Under state statute, “the coroner of the county is authorized to perform all duties which are by law required to be performed by the sheriff, until another sheriff for such county shall be appointed and qualified…”
A Licking resident, Lasater’s career has been in nursing and she owns that town’s newspaper. She is serving the second year of a four-year term as coroner. It’s been a tumultuous few months for Lasater: In April, her house was struck by a tornado and about a month later she tragically lost her husband to a sudden illness.