Dr. Christopher Tape, St. Tammany Parish Coroner speaks to the media after a suspicious was found at his office. March 25, 2024.
St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape said he’s received death threats after it was revealed by an investigative reporter that Tape was accused but never tried for child sexual abuse in New Mexico. Parish leaders have started a recall campaign to remove him. At a press conference Monday, he talked about his first day as coroner.
“We had to call the police because there was a suspicious package here last night. It was labeled with evidence tape and biohazard, and I believe it was a death threat,” said Tape.
Tape is also under fire for cutting the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program in the parish that also serves, four other parishes (Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington).
Top elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have begun a recall campaign to remove Tape, and the new coroner clapped back.
“I believe that they’re unfit for office because they don’t believe in innocence until proven guilty,” said Tape.
Tape also accused his predecessor, Dr. Charles Preston, of a smear campaign against him along with planting listening devices in the office and the suspicious package.
“Probably a joke but what if it’s not a joke? What if it’s anthrax? What if it’s a virus? What if it’s a bomb? I don’t know what it is. The police took it seriously, they came and had the bomb squad here last night,” said Tape.
Tape, who was unopposed in the election, has refused requests to resign and the only way he can be removed from office is a successful recall campaign.
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