Table of Contents

• Coroner Jacquie Purcell
• Chief Deputy Coroner Levi Gotte
• Investigative Services Section Staff
• Forensic Services Section Staff
• Coroner's Physician Kristin Escobar-Alvarenga, MD

Coroner

Jacquie Purcell, D-ABMDI
Kendall County Coroner, FOIA Officer
Desk: (630) 381-9117
Email: jrpurcell@kendallcountyil.gov

Since 2003, Jacquie has been a steady presence in the Kendall County Coroner’s Office. Her journey began as a part-time Deputy, but her dedication to the role saw her become the county's first full-time Deputy Coroner just a year later. Today, as the 25th elected Coroner in our county’s history, she combines technical expertise with a deeply personal commitment to the community.

With a background as a nationally board-certified funeral director and a degree from Worsham College, Jacquie understands that her role is about more than just records—it’s about people. Having served in Kane and LaSalle counties before returning to Kendall, she brings a broad range of experience to her leadership. Outside of her official duties, Jacquie is a devoted wife to her husband, John, and a mother of four.

Certifications

• Medicolegal Death Investigation - Illinois Coroner's & Medical Examiners Assn. 
• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Diplomate - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (#1444)
• County Coroner Training Course - IL Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board
• National Board Certification - Funeral Service Examination Boards of the United States

Trainings

• Death Investigation Training Course - University of North Dakota
• Masters Death Investigations - St. Louis University School of Medicine (Multiple Years)
• Advanced Medicolegal Training - Intl. Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners
• Advanced Incident Command - Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Memberships

• Fellow - International Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association
• Associate Member - National Association of Medical Examiners
• Member - Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators
• Member - Illinois Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association

Chief Deputy Coroner

The Chief Deputy serves as the office’s primary administrator, managing daily operations and providing direct oversight of all death investigations. Appointed by the Coroner, this role ensures that our office remains responsive and professional at all times, including representing the Coroner and fulfilling their duties in their absence. As a sworn investigator, the Chief Deputy also works directly in the field to ensure every case is handled with the integrity and care our community deserves.

Levi T. Gotte, D-ABMDI
Chief Deputy Coroner
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Desk: (630) 381-9108
Email: ltgotte@kendallcountyil.gov

Levi has served as Kendall County’s full-time Chief Deputy Coroner since 2017. With nearly 20 years of experience as a first responder and supervisor in law enforcement, fire service, and emergency communications, he brings a well-rounded and steady perspective to public safety.

In addition to his leadership here in the county, Levi serves as a part-time emergency manager for a federal agency. This role ensures that Kendall County benefits from the highest national standards in emergency response and crisis coordination.

Certifications

• Diplomate - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (#3513)
• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Lead Homicide Investigator - IL Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board
• Firefighter II / Fire Apparatus Engineer - Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal
• BLS Instructor - American Heart Association & American Red Cross
• Firearms Instructor - Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board
• Master Instructor - Intl.  Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors

Trainings

• Advanced Incident Command System - Illinois Fire Service Institute
• Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management - U.S. Fire Administration
• Advanced Crime Scene & Death Investigations - CP Training Consultants
• Explosive Safety, Recognition, and Handling - Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
• Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LFA) - Illinois State Police

Memberships

• Member - Illinois Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association
• Member - National Homicide Investigators Association
• Member - International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors

Investigative Services Section

The Investigative Services Section is responsible for the initial investigation of all deaths within Kendall County. The primary goal of this section is to determine both the cause and manner of death through careful review and evidence collection. Depending on the circumstances, investigators may arrive directly at a scene or manage the process by coordinating with local law enforcement and healthcare professionals.

Because of the specialized nature of this work, every investigator in this section is a sworn Deputy Coroner. Under Illinois Statutes 55 ILCS 5/3-3007 and 725 ILCS 5/107-16, these individuals are also classified as Peace Officers. This legal status ensures the team has the authority required to conduct thorough investigations on behalf of the public. To ensure the highest level of service, the Coroner, Chief Deputy, and Forensic Services Manager also assist with these duties as part of their commitment to the county.

Investigative Services Section Staff:

Jessica Gotte, RPA
Senior Deputy Coroner, Archival Officer
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org

Jessica serves as a Deputy Coroner and Investigator for Kendall County, bringing a specialized medical perspective to our investigative team. Her professional background began at the College of DuPage, where she earned her license as a Radiologic Technologist. She later continued her education at Weber State University in Utah, becoming a board-certified Radiology Practitioner Assistant in 2010.

This clinical expertise is a significant asset to the Coroner’s Office, especially when reviewing complex medical data. In addition to her work with the county, Jessica continues to practice as a Radiology PA at a local hospital and several outpatient facilities. Her active involvement in the medical field ensures that our office remains connected to current healthcare practices and maintains a high standard of technical proficiency.

Certifications, Trainings & Memberships

• Basic Medicolegal Death Investigator - Intl. Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association
• Member - Illinois Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association

William "Will" Sutton
Deputy Coroner
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org

Will serves the residents of Kendall County as a Deputy Coroner and Investigator. A decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Will served during Operation Enduring Freedom and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. His military background instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and a commitment to public service that guides his investigative work today.

In addition to his role with the Coroner’s Office, Will serves as a full-time County Veteran Service Officer at a local Veteran’s Assistance Commission. In this capacity, he works closely with veterans and their families to help them navigate complex resources and support systems. This experience in community advocacy and his history of dedicated service make Will an invaluable and compassionate member of our team.

Certifications, Trainings & Memberships

• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Member - Illinois Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association

Terry Fenoglio
Deputy Coroner
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org

Terry serves as a Deputy Coroner and Investigator, bringing a deep reservoir of experience to the Kendall County Coroner’s Office. With two decades of service in local law enforcement, he has spent his career developing the skills necessary to handle complex investigations with both precision and care. His long history in public safety ensures that he is a familiar and trusted face for the residents of our county.

Beyond his years in the field, Terry has completed specialized training in advanced investigative techniques, which allows him to manage difficult cases with a high degree of technical skill. He is dedicated to providing families with thorough and accurate information during their most challenging times. By combining his investigative background with a compassionate perspective, Terry helps maintain the high standards of integrity and service that our community expects.

Certifications, Training, & Memberships

• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Lead Homicide Investigator - Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board
  
  

Larry Simmons
Deputy Coroner
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org

Larry serves as a Deputy Coroner and Investigator for Kendall County, following a distinguished 35-year career in the fire service. During his time as both a first responder and a supervisor, he developed a unique expertise in technical rescue and emergency leadership. His decades of experience on the front lines provide him with the steady hand and deep knowledge required to serve our residents during their most difficult moments.

In addition to his general background in emergency services, Larry brings specialized skills in fire and life safety investigations to our team. This technical knowledge is a vital resource for the office when navigating complex scenes and determining accurate outcomes for families. Larry remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of the community, using his extensive professional history to ensure every investigation is conducted with thoroughness and integrity.

 Certifications, Training, & Memberships

• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Fire Investigator & Arson Investigator - Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal
• Public Fire & Life Safety Educator - Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal

Forensic Services Section

The Forensic Services Section is primarily responsible for managing the Kendall County Forensic Science Center (Morgue) and providing civilian staff to assist the Investigative Services Section at death scenes. This section is led by the Forensic Services Manager, who oversees all daily operations and budgeting for the Forensic Science Center, as well as managing all civilian personnel employed by the Coroner's Office. Additionally, as a sworn Deputy Coroner, the Forensic Services Manager may fulfill investigative responsibilities as required.

Forensic Services Section Staff:

Cherie McCarron 
Forensic Services Manager, Deputy Coroner/Investigator
Desk: (630) 381-9109
Email: cmccarron@kendallcountyil.gov

Cherie holds the appointment of Deputy Coroner/Investigator for Kendall County and is currently assigned as the Forensic Services Manager. She began her service with the office as a part-time employee in 2021, transitioned to a full-time investigator role in 2022, and was promoted to lead the forensic services section in December 2024. Her professional background is rooted in the medical field, including experience in emergency medical services and work as a senior technician for an organ and tissue procurement organization. This clinical foundation allows her to approach her duties with both technical precision and a deep respect for the individuals and families she serves.

In her current assignment, Cherie oversees the technical and scientific operations that are essential to our investigative process. She has pursued specialized education in the recovery of remains, including advanced training for managing complex scenes in outdoor environments. This expertise ensures that all field operations are conducted with the scientific accuracy and sensitivity required by the office. By combining her leadership in forensic management with her extensive field experience, Cherie remains committed to maintaining the high standards of integrity and thoroughness that the community expects from the Coroner’s Office.

Certifications, Trainings & Memberships

• Medicolegal Death Investigator - St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Member - Illinois Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association
• Outdoor Recovery Course - Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Tennessee

Jennifer Johnson, MA
Administrative Assistant
Desk: (630) 381-9266
Email: jjohnson@kendallcountyil.gov

Cristie Fry, MSW, LCSW
Coroner's Assistant
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org 

Kendra Puga, BHS
Coroner's Assistant
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org 

Allen Grobe
Transporter
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org 

William "Bill" Bergland, B.S.
Transporter
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org 

VACANT
Coroner's Assistant
Email: staff@kendallcoroner.org 

Coroner's Physician

Kristin Escobar-Alvarenga, MD
Board-Certified Forensic Pathologist / Coroner's Physician
Email: coronermd@kendallcountyil.gov

Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga serves as the contracted Coroner’s Physician for Kendall County, providing the specialized medical expertise necessary for forensic investigations. As a board-certified pathologist, she brings a high level of clinical knowledge to the office, ensuring that every medical finding is handled with precision and professional care. Her work is a cornerstone of our investigative process, helping to provide the residents of Kendall County with accurate answers and clear information during their most difficult moments.

Alongside her service to the county, Dr. Escobar-Alvarenga is a full-time practicing forensic pathologist and an active member of several leading professional organizations, including the National Association of Medical Examiners. These connections ensure that our office remains at the forefront of the latest developments and best practices in forensic medicine. Her deep clinical background and commitment to public service make her an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted resource for the entire community.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor of Biology - Baylor University (Waco, Texas)
• Doctor of Medicine - University of Texas, Medical Branch (Galveston, Texas)
• Residency (Anatomical and Clinical Pathology) - Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, New York City, New York)
• Fellowship (Forensic Pathology) - Harris County Institute for Forensic Sciences (Houston, Texas)
• Board Certification (Anatomic, Clinical, and Forensic Pathology) - American Board of Pathology
• Licensed Physician and Surgeon - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation