KNOX COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana State Police arrested the Knox County coroner after reportedly finding drugs in her home.

ISP confirmed the agency arrested Knox County Coroner Karen Donovan, 40, of Vincennes on Wednesday. Donovan was preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine and a schedule II controlled substance, as well as official misconduct.

Detectives started investigating Donovan in April of 2022 after receiving “information of misconduct,” according to ISP.

Donovan was booked in the Knox County Jail after her arrest. She has since posted bond and was released.

Knox County Republican Chairman David Shelton released a statement before Donovan’s arrest, confirming a certified letter was sent to the coroner on March 10, asking her to resign by March 17.

According to Shelton, Donovan had abandoned her responsibilities as Knox County’s coroner.

“It is a true tragedy that many Knox County residents have been made to endure a lasting sense of loss by the inactions of the elected Knox County coroner. Many grieving families have been made to suffer longer, waiting on death certificates that by law, were to be issued within 72 hours receipt of all toxicology reports and other lab and medical reports,” wrote Shelton.

Shelton continued, “The absence of concern to the taxpayers and citizens of Knox County, demonstrated by Knox County Coroner Karen Donovan’s lack of compassion and unwillingness to complete her constitutional duties, is truly a black eye not only to the Republican party, but is an embarrassment to every political subdivision in Knox County.”

The Knox County Council and Knox County Commissioners will seek judicial removal of Donovan from her coroner position at their first April meeting.