Residents and county nurses urge independent probe into St. Clair County medical director

Dozens of residents and county public-health workers told the St. Clair County human services committee that recent complaints and prior internal reports justify an independent, third‑party investigation into the conduct of the county medical director, Dr. Nevin.

"There is overwhelming documented evidence that justifies this board ordering an independent impartial investigation into the medical director's conduct," said Jessica Baker, a registered nurse at the St. Clair County Health Department, during the public‑comment period. Speakers described repeated staff complaints, anonymous hotline reports and an internal HR report from 2024 that they say show a toxic work environment. Supporters of the medical director also spoke, with one resident saying the director "has given countless hours protecting our health and safety."

The board discussed whether to pursue a narrow investigation limited to allegations against Dr. Nevin or a broader review of the health department. Corporate counsel advised the board that outside investigators typically require specific, dated complaints and witness names to proceed. The committee's chair offered a motion to authorize a third‑party investigation, but during discussion the chair moved to table the motion to allow county counsel two weeks to gather and review any specific complaints and return a recommendation to the committee.

The committee did not authorize an outside investigation at the meeting; commissioners asked that any formal complaints be submitted with dates, times and witnesses so counsel can determine whether the matter warrants referral to an independent investigator.