A special prosecutor has been appointed to handle the case of Pike County’s sheriff, who is accused of misconduct.
Ed Parkinson with the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office has been assigned to Sheriff Paul Petty’s case. Petty (pictured) is due in court for a hearing on Friday.
An Adams County judge ruled earlier this month that having the Pike County State’s Attorney’s office prosecute the case was a conflict of interest.
Petty also is the county coroner. He has pleaded not guilty to accusations he didn’t follow procedures for embalming the body of 47-year-old Shanda Lopez, of Milton, who fatally overdosed on heroin in 2012.