Crime & Safety

Coroner Accused Of Stealing Over $14,000 From Dead People

Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz is also accused of stealing taxpayer money to fund vacations for himself, his wife, court records show.

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Bill Hintz will not have access to his office until the trial, officials said.
Bill Hintz will not have access to his office until the trial, officials said. (Winnebago County Jail)

ROCKFORD, IL — An Illinois coroner pleaded not guilty to accusations he stole more than $14,000 in cash from dead people Wednesday, according to court records.

Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz was charged with 12 counts of official misconduct and theft of government funds. Prosecutors said Hintz took $14,500 in cash from the coroner's office evidence vault.

Hintz is also accused of requiring family members pay cash to receive the cremated remains of their homeless loved ones, but keeping the money for himself.

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In October 2020, Hintz and his wife Michelle were accused of stealing taxpayer money for vacations and hotels. Michelle Hintz is not set to appear in court until 2022 while Bill Hintz has a bond hearing scheduled for Oct. 8.

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