Pueblo County residents will soon see Gregory Grahek in their county coroner's office after he was appointed to fill the seat left vacant after Brian Cotter's resignation.

Grahek's appointment, which is pending a background check, comes after 24 bodies and containers of remains were improperly stored in the funeral home Cotter and his brother co-owned.

The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners approved the measure on a vote of 2-1 during their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, according to Gazette news partner KOAA. Grahek was one of five finalists.

In a letter addressed to the residents of Pueblo County on Tuesday, Grahek stated he plans to earn their respect and trust in "this very important position."

"I will work hard, and with all of the sensitive scenarios that will come my

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