DENVER (AP) – Jon Hallford, the owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado, faces sentencing in federal court for committing fraud against grieving families and defrauding the government out of nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Hallford, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud last year, is at risk of receiving a maximum prison term of 20 years, though federal prosecutors are recommending a 15-year sentence.
In addition to his federal charges, Hallford has also pleaded guilty in a separate state case to 191 counts of corpse abuse. The allegations against him and co-owner Carie Hallford include the shocking revelation that they stored nearly 190 dead bodies in a dilapidated building and sent families fake ashes of their loved ones instead of genuine remains. This operation reportedly took place from 2019 to 2023 and culminated in a discovery in 2023 that horrified many families.
Investigators found a scene described as morbid, with decomposing bodies stacked atop each other within a bug-infested facility located in Penrose, a small town situated about two hours south of Denver. The discovery led to devastating realizations for many families, as they learned their loved ones had not been cremated, and the ashes they had received were fraudulent. In some cases, the wrong bodies were even buried, causing significant emotional distress. Families reported experiencing nightmares, feelings of guilt, and questions regarding the fate of their loved ones' souls.
Furthermore, the Hallfords were accused of defrauding the government during the pandemic by misappropriating COVID-19 relief funds meant for legitimate business operations. Instead, they allegedly diverted this aid, along with payments from customers, toward luxury purchases, including a GMC Yukon and an Infiniti valued at over $120,000 combined. Their spending also included $31,000 in cryptocurrencies and indulgence in high-end items from retailers such as Gucci and Tiffany & Co., as well as cosmetic procedures like laser body sculpting.
While Carie Hallford is set to go on trial for her federal charges in September, she also faces a hearing that month for her state case concerning the same counts of corpse abuse as her husband. This aspect of the case emphasizes the extensive impact of their actions, which not only harmed the families involved but also raised serious ethical questions about their business practices as funeral home operators.
In a court filing, Jon Hallford’s attorneys sought a 10-year sentence, acknowledging the severity of his actions. They stated, “Mr. Hallford does not disagree that his conduct was abhorrent, indecent, and caused grave harm to many.” His upcoming sentencing in the state case is expected to take place in August, further extending the legal aftermath of this disturbing case.
The situation has cast a dark shadow over the funeral industry in the region, raising concerns about regulations and oversight in the handling of deceased bodies. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability in providing respectful and ethical care to those who are grieving for their lost loved ones.
