MCDONOUGH COUNTY, Ill. (WGEM) - McDonough County Coroner Eric Jameson reported McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout ‘forced’ Deputy Coroner Dave Burnham into resigning.

Jameson said the decision was not made by Burnham or himself, but was mandated by his other employer Petitgout.

Burnham is currently employed as a deputy at the sheriff’s office.

According to Petitgout, Burnham also serves as a school resource officer and evidence custodian.

“This is a matter of potential Department of Labor law violations, ”Petitgout said.

Jameson reported that under the sheriff’s office union contract, the sheriff has the authority to determine whether his deputies may hold outside employment.

Petitgout confirmed that off-duty employment is handled at his discretion.

Jameson said since he was el

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