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Owners of Colorado Funeral Home Plead Guilty to Corpse Abuse
Owners Jon and Carie Hallford of Return to Nature Funeral Home have pleaded guilty to abusing 191 corpses. The remains were found decomposing at the Penrose location in October 2023, after a foul odor alert. Some bodies dated back to 2019.
The guilty pleas include two cases where incorrect bodies were buried. The judge has yet to accept the plea agreements and will determine sentencing next year.
Facing Prison Sentences
Carie Hallford faces 15 to 20 years in prison, while Jon Hallford faces 20 years. Their sentencing is scheduled for April 2025. The District Attorney acknowledges the emotional impact on families and says that achieving justice is an honor.
Scheme and Fraud
Investigators found that the Hallfords defrauded customers by accepting payment for burials or cremations that were never performed. They provided dry concrete mix in urns instead of ashes. They also admitted to collecting over $130,000 for unfulfilled services and conspiring to defraud the SBA of over $800,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
Federal Case and Incarceration
The Hallfords also pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a federal case and face up to 20 years in federal prison. Their sentencing is set for March 2025.
It’s possible that the state and federal prison sentences could run concurrently. Carie Hallford’s bond was revoked, while Jon Hallford remains in custody.