The owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Jon and Carie Hallford, face new federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed extensive misuse of COVID-19 relief funds and severe mishandling of bodies dating back to at least 2019. According to U.S. Attorney's Office press release, the Hallfords are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities by lying about their financial and legal status to obtain over $880,000 in federal aid.

The indictment unsealed Monday in Colorado District Court brings to light shocking allegations against the Hallfords, including giving bereaved families dry concrete instead of their loved ones' ashes and burying the wrong bodies on multiple occasions. They reportedly collected over $130,000 from families for services they never provided, such as cremations and burials.

"These new federal charges underscore the severity of the Hallfords' alleged crimes and their blatant disregard for both legal standards and basic human decency," stated the press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado. The charges come atop hundreds of state felony charges they already face, including corpse abuse, theft, money laundering, and forgery.

The investigation into the Hallfords' operations began in October 2023 after neighbors reported a foul odor emanating from the funeral home, which Jon Hallford initially claimed was related to his taxidermy activities. However, the smell was later linked to improperly stored decaying bodies. "The situation at the funeral home was appalling and a grievous affront to the community and the families who trusted the Hallfords with their loved ones' final rites," said an investigator associated with the case.

Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the funeral home building, contaminated with various biohazards due to the decaying bodies, cannot be repurposed. A scheduled demolition is set to begin this Wednesday and is expected to last for approximately ten days.

If convicted of the federal charges, the Hallfords could face up to $250,000 in fines and 20 years in prison. This case has deeply affected the Colorado Springs community, particularly the families involved, many of whom have initiated lawsuits against Return to Nature Funeral Home.

"This has been an ongoing nightmare for all of us," said one family member who preferred to remain anonymous. "Knowing that there might be justice brings some solace, but it doesn't undo the pain."

As the legal proceedings continue, the community seeks closure and justice for the mishandling and betrayal they have endured. The Hallfords' case is a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight in sensitive businesses, especially those dealing with funeral services.

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