Colorado Funeral Home Owners Plead Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges

Jon and Carie Hallford admitted to defrauding customers and misusing pandemic relief funds while improperly storing 190 bodies.

The Hallfords, owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal case.
Prosecutors revealed the couple misled families by providing fake ashes and improperly stored bodies dating back to 2019.
The couple also admitted to fraudulently obtaining nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, which were used for personal luxury expenses.
A plea deal stipulates that the prosecution will not seek more than 15 years of imprisonment, pending judge approval.
The discovery of the bodies prompted Colorado lawmakers to tighten funeral home regulations, mandating routine inspections and licensing.