Colorado funeral home owners accused of misspending nearly US$900,000 in pandemic relief funds and living lavishly, all while allegedly storing 190 decaying bodies in a building and sending grieving families fake ashes, pleaded guilty on Thursday to federal fraud charges centred around defrauding customers.
Jon and Carie Hallford each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The plea agreement, which stipulates that prosecutors will not request over 15 years imprisonment, still has to be approved by the judge.
The owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, located an hour south of Denver, faced federal and state charges related to defrauding the US government and customers, with more than 200 criminal counts pending. Under the plea agreement, some charges will be dismissed.
The Hallfords used relief funds and customer payments for personal expenses and luxury items, as detailed in court documents, while neglecting proper handling of deceased bodies.
Investigations revealed disturbing practices at Return to Nature Funeral Home, leading to a multitude of charges against the owners.