Additional Coverage:
- Funeral home owners accused of storing bodies and sending fake ashes set to plead guilty to Covid fraud (newsbreak.com)
Funeral Home Owners to Plead Guilty to Misuse of COVID Funds
Owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Jon and Carie Hallford, are set to plead guilty to federal charges related to misusing nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 aid. The funds were allegedly used for lavish spending, including luxury vehicles, laser body treatments, and trips to California and Las Vegas.
Alleged Misuse and Corrupted Business Practices
The Hallfords are also facing state charges for corpse abuse and forgery. They allegedly stashed 190 decaying bodies in a building and provided grieving families with fake ashes.
Lax Regulations Prompt Law Changes
The discovery of the bodies and alleged fraud prompted Colorado lawmakers to tighten funeral home regulations, requiring inspections and licensing.
Federal Charges and Potential Penalties
The federal charges against the Hallfords could result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000. The state charges carry additional criminal counts.
Devastating Impact on Grieving Families
The revelations have devastated the families of the deceased, who believed they had properly handled their loved ones’ remains. The incident highlights the importance of strong funeral home regulations to protect grieving families from unscrupulous practices.