Jon Hallford, co-owner of the now-infamous Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, will be sentenced tomorrow at 9:00 AM in federal court in Denver after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The sentencing follows the 2023 discovery of nearly 200 improperly stored human remains at the funeral home, a shocking case that led to hundreds of abuse of corpse charges against both Jon and Carie Hallford in state court.
In the federal case, both Jon and Carie were charged with financial crimes tied to their funeral operations. While Jon Hallford accepted a plea deal, his defense team is asking for a 10-year prison sentence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is requesting 15 years, citing the severity and scope of the fraud.
⚠️ Background:
- Investigators uncovered nearly 200 decomposing bodies at the Penrose funeral home in Fall 2023.
- The Hallfords allegedly continued to accept payments for cremation and burial services they never carried out.
- Carie Hallford has rejected a plea deal and is expected to go to trial later this year.
This case has drawn national attention and prompted calls for stricter oversight of Colorado’s funeral industry.
For updates, visit: justice.gov
