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JOHNSON COUNTY, INDIANA - An Indiana coroner under investigation for his relationship to a 17-year-old girl has been allowed back to work prompting several of his staff to resign.
Michael 'Mike' Pruitt, 60, of Bargersville, near Indianapolis, returned to his job with Johnson County after a 30-day leave of absence, scandalizing his colleagues who stepped down in protest.
Pruitt is under investigation by the Indiana State Police over text messages he allegedly sent a 17-year-old girl who helped look after his pigs, according to WTHR 13.
The girl's mother sought a protective order against Pruitt in late August due to alleged repeated unwanted contact with the minor which included buying her alcohol and proving a $50-a-month allowance, per court records.
Pruitt's return to work has led to five deputy coroners, including colleague Derek Wilson, to step down from the job in protest.
'In light of the recent allegations and subsequent potential criminal investigation underway by the Indiana State Police involving Coroner Michael Pruitt, I have made the difficult, yet, necessary decision to submit my resignation as Chief Deputy Coroner of Johnson County effective October 1st,' Wilson said, according to Fox 59.
The deputy coroners don't believe Pruitt should return to work during the investigation. Pruitt is not currently facing any criminal charges.
There are still eight part-time deputies on staff and an administrative employee.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... diana.html