LA County Medical Examiner Investigator Charged with Stealing Items From Deceased Bodies He Investigated

Charged investigator Adrian Muñoz allegedly stole a gold crucifix necklace and rare antique coins from two different deceased individuals, both incidents caught on video; facing potential three-year sentence if convicted.

Adrian Muñoz, an investigator with the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, has been charged with stealing items from two deceased individuals he investigated. The stolen items include a gold crucifix necklace and rare antique coins.
Muñoz was caught on camera taking a necklace from the body of Miguel Solorio, a warehouse worker who died from a heart attack. The necklace was placed in Muñoz's medical bag and was never returned or documented.
Rare antique coins from another deceased individual, Jeffrey Alden, were discovered in Muñoz's cubicle. The coins, worth more than $950, were linked to a receipt with Alden's name. Muñoz had also been investigating Alden's death.
The authorities began investigation after Miguel Solorio’s family reported the theft to the district attorney’s office. Muñoz has been removed from county and department work duties pending the outcome of the proceedings.
Muñoz now faces one felony count of grand theft of property and one misdemeanor count of petty theft of property, with a potential sentence of up to three years if convicted on all counts.
LA County District Attorney George Gascón referred to Muñoz's alleged actions as a 'profound betrayal of the very essence of the role and the solemn duty owed to both the deceased and their bereaved families.'