Jon Hallford, co-owner of the Return to Nature Funeral Home, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a disturbing case involving nearly 200 decomposing bodies discovered in 2023.
The 20-year sentence is the maximum allowed for the federal charge and will be served concurrently with a forthcoming state sentence related to abuse of corpse and other criminal counts.
🏛️ Background:
- Hallford and his wife, Carie Hallford, allegedly collected more than $130,000 from families for cremation and funeral services they never performed.
- The couple stored bodies improperly at their facility in Penrose, drawing national attention and outrage.
- A state sentencing hearing for Jon Hallford is expected in August.
- Carie Hallford has rejected a plea deal, and her federal trial is set to begin September 8.
This sentencing marks a major step forward in a case that has shaken families and communities across Colorado and prompted calls for tighter oversight of the funeral home industry.
For updates on this case, visit: justice.gov
