Former McHenry County Coroner Indicted in Bizarre Baby Remains Coverup

McHenry County’s former coroner held onto the remains of dead baby for two decades and then lied and falsified forms to cover up her actions, according to an indictment unveiled Thursday.

Marlene Lantz, who served for 24 years, was arrested and posted a $1,000 bond Thursday. She faces two felony counts of official misconduct and one felony count of forgery.

Reports the Northwest Herald:

According to the indictment, from March 13, 1992, until Lantz left office on Nov. 30, 2012, she failed to dispose of the body of “Baby Reinert,” also known as “Baby Doe.” As part of her official duties, Lantz should have buried the remains, cremated them or donated them to science, the indictment says.

The indictment also says Lantz signed a death certificate saying the baby was buried and that the identity of the mother was unknown, and she did so knowing that such information was false.

Lantz served from 1988 to 2012. Why she may have done this as yet is unclear. Authorities are not discussing the evidence.