A former Richmond County Deputy Coroner has been arrested and fired. Charlena Graham is accused of stealing from the body of a dead woman. Investigators say other families have contacted them about missing items from their deceased loves ones.

"In the 30 years I have been here, I have never known anything like this to occur in the corner's office," said Grover Tuten, Richmond County Chief Coroner.

Tuten answered questions and defended the integrity of his office.

"We have what we think to be honest and capable people and we put our trust in them," said Tuten.

Tuten's response came after deputies arrested 43-year-old Charlena Graham. She's charged with stealing and using hundreds of dollars in gift cards.

"We will always clean our own house. We will not tolerate that kind of conduct from any employee," said Tuten.

Graham retrieved the body of the deceased woman from a West Augusta hotel, December 31.

Richmond County investigators say between January 1 and the 20, Graham used several of the gift cards at several local retailers.

"The cards were numbered. The family was able to give us numbers on some of the cards that they identified and we were able to track it in that matter," said Capt. John Francisco, Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say they've already fielded several calls that could lead to more victims. In the meantime, Tuten says he can't understand why his employee would steal from the dead.

"I hired her and put her in a position of trust and she betrayed me and betrayed the citizens of Richmond County,” said Tuten.

Graham allowed the deputies inside her home. They say they found some of the items that were purchased with the stolen gift cards.