Jefferson County Coroner Ron Holmes is calling it quits, a year before his current term ends, and disgruntled coroner's office employees may be behind the sudden decision.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is a respected criminologist who spent more than thirty years as a U of L professor.  But many employees in the County Coroner's office say he was not a success as a boss.

Dr. Ron Holmes often reported the findings of autopsy reports his office conducted to aid police investigations.  He was also a voice for crime victims.  But he is not talking about his decision to retire with more than a year left on his term as coroner.

But John DeCamillis, the attorney for deputy coroners, is speaking about his clients: " A lot of them have been with law enforcement, so they can protect themselves, and when those type of people come to you and are afraid for their well-being, that speaks volumes."

DeCammillis believes Holmes was motivated to retire because nine of his twelve deputy coroners had united to file suit against him.  In 2007, some employees filed police complaints alleging wrongdoing by Holmes, and two employees filed suit, claiming their boss had retaliated against them.  One of the employees reached an out of court settlement with Holmes.  A hearing Monday will explore why it hasn't been paid yet.

According to the County Attorney's office, Metro Council must first approve the settlement since city funds will be used to pay it.  Under the law, Mayor Abramson will appoint someone to fill out the last year of Dr. Holmes' term.

DeCamillis says, "With the new coroner, I think those people will be able to go and do their jobs every day and not have to look over their shoulder and worry about whether their boss was going to come to work and harm them."