Colorado funeral home owners arrested in Oklahoma, facing several felonies
PENROSE, Colo. (KRDO) - KRDO13 Investigates has learned the Penrose funeral homeowners under investigation for improperly storing bodies are now under arrest in Oklahoma on numerous charges, according to an FBI email sent to families. The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office confirms that they were arrested in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
The FBI email indicates that Jon and Carie Hallford were arrested on charges including Abuse of a Corpse, Theft, Money Laundering, and Forgery. The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office will review the investigation and file the appropriate charges in El Paso County District Court.
The arrests come after authorities discovered nearly 200 decomposing bodies inside the Return to Nature funeral home in Penrose.
The DA's office says that because the Hallfords were arrested in a different state, their first advisement in El Paso County District Court will be determined during the extradition process.
The Muskogee County Sheriff's Office confirms that Jon is being held at the Muskogee County OK jail. It is unclear where Carie is being held at this time.
KRDO13 Investigates has reached out to the CBI, the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and the Fremont County Sheriff's Office for more information.
This is a developing story, and our team is working to get new information.
In addition to improperly storing bodies, several families that used the Return to Nature Funeral Home believe they received concrete mix instead of their loved one's ashes.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Return to Nature Funeral Home and its owners. Court documents show that the plaintiff is Richard Law, a retired Colorado Springs educator, whose father, Roger, was recently identified as one of the 189.
The property in Fremont County will be cleaned up by the EPA. A resolution passed explains the county will calculate the expenses incurred while removing contamination and charge the Hallfords a "special assessment" which will be collected by the county treasurer in the same way property taxes are collected.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis released the following statement:
"I am relieved that criminal charges have been brought against the funeral home owner and a criminal investigation is proceeding. I know this will not bring peace to the families impacted by this heart-wrenching incident but we hope the individuals responsible are held fully accountable in a court of law."
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
A press conference is expected to be held later today. It will be livestreamed on krdo.com
