Former Marin Coroner Pleads Guilty In Child Sex-Abuse Case

SAN RAFAEL, CA – Former Marin County coroner's investigator Darrell Harris pleaded guilty in Marin County Superior Court Thursday to committing a lewd act with a minor.

Harris, 47, pleaded guilty to one felony charge at his scheduled preliminary hearing this morning. He was charged with five counts of sexual misconduct with the female when she was a minor and an adult between May 2008 and March 2017.

Harris faces five years of probation and up to a year in the Marin County jail. He faces a three-year prison term if he violates his probation, Marin County District Attorney Ed Berberian said.

Harris also must register as a convicted sex offender. The four remaining counts in the complaint will be dismissed at sentencing on March 28.

Harris' attorney Douglas Horngrad said the disposition of the case was best for all the parties involved.

The resolution of the case is in the best interest of the victim, Berberian said.

"This plea was appropriate and it reflects the sexual misconduct component of the case. We're comfortable with the disposition," Berberian said.

San Rafael police asked the Santa Rosa Police Department to investigate the case because Harris' work caused him to interact with many different Marin County law enforcement officers, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Sgt. Terry Anderson said.

Santa Rosa police arrested Harris in Humboldt County, and he was booked into Marin County Jail on May 8, 2017.

Harris was employed with the Marin County coroner's office since 2003 and was promoted to chief deputy coroner in 2015.

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'Everyone ... In Shock' As Marin Co. Head Coroner Faces Child Sex-Abuse Charges

By Bay City News Service

Image via Humboldt County Jail