A former investigator with the Jefferson County Coroner’s office is accused of stealing a dead man’s credit card.

David Workman appeared in Hancock County Magistrate Court Wednesday morning. After his appearance, Workman shook his head and called the charges a "bum rap."

Workman is accused of stealing the credit card from the Jefferson County, Ohio, morgue and using it in an exotic club in Weirton, W.Va.

Attorneys for the prosecutor’s office and the defense agreed to waive the time frame for a speedy preliminary hearing. That means a preliminary hearing can be held more than 20 days from his arrest.

Another development concerns charges that could be filed in Ohio. Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said he asked the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to look in Workman’s past and they agreed to do so, to see if Workman did anything illegal during his years as an investigator with the coroner’s office.

Workman was employed with the coroner’s office for seven years. Dr. John Metcalf fired Workman last month when the theft allegations surfaced.

NEWS9 has learned David Workman does have a previous history with law enforcement.

In January 2002, Saline Township police arrested Workman on a domestic violence charge. According to Jefferson County court documents, Workman pleaded not guilty and the case was later dismissed.

In June 2006, the Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested Workman on charges of drunken driving and speeding. Workman pleaded guilty and served three days of community service. His driver’s license was suspended for 90 days.

In September 2005, a driver called Saline Township police claiming Workman impersonated a police officer. The complaint accused Workman of using a flashing light on his car to pull a vehicle over on County Road 50. Workman was accused of approaching the driver with a gun and his coroner’s badge. Workman was never charged.

Another complaint was filed against Workman in September 2005 when a female claimed Workman harassed her over the phone. Workman was not charged.

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