Home / Crime and Justice / Colorado Funeral Home Scandal: Co-Owner Gets 30 Years
Colorado Funeral Home Scandal: Co-Owner Gets 30 Years
25 Apr
Summary
- Carie Hallford sentenced to 30 years for hiding nearly 200 decaying bodies.
- The funeral home defrauded families, returning concrete instead of ashes.
- The scandal led to new regulations for Colorado's funeral industry.
Carie Hallford, a 48-year-old co-owner of the Return to Nature funeral home in Colorado, was sentenced to 30 years in state prison on Friday. This sentence is for her involvement in a disturbing corpse abuse scheme that concealed nearly 200 decomposing bodies. Hallford had previously pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge, receiving an 18-year sentence earlier this month.
Operating with her ex-husband, Jon Hallford, she preyed on dozens of grieving families. They promised proper services but instead left remains to decay in a neglected building, collecting over $130,000. Many families received urns containing concrete mix, not ashes. This criminal operation came to light in 2023, sparking international attention and leading to a significant overhaul of Colorado's funeral home regulations.
Jon Hallford, who was sentenced to 40 years in February, also admitted to defrauding the Small Business Administration of over $882,300 in COVID-19 relief funds, allegedly spent on luxury items. Carie Hallford expressed remorse, claiming fear of her abusive ex-husband, who she stated threatened her life. She filed for divorce last year. Prosecutors noted she handled customers and finances, while Jon dealt with remains, admitting she knew of the conditions and did nothing to stop them.
