Former Funeral Home Owners Contemplate Separate Plea Deals Amidst State and Federal Charges

Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News

Carie Halford, 46, and her husband Jon Hallford, 43, the former owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, are currently considering separate plea offers in both their state and federal cases. The couple faces multiple charges, including piling 189 bodies in their facility, giving families falsified death certificates, and fraudulently obtaining COVID relief funds.
The Hallfords were scheduled to appear in El Paso County District Court on Thursday for arraignment. However, Jon Hallford was not present as he was not transferred from a federal detention facility in Littleton. El Paso County Deputy District Attorney Rachael Powell addressed the situation, stating, “There are some complicated factors with this case because there is also a federal case pending. To allow defense counsel to advise their clients with this case going on, as well as the federal case, we felt that the early October deadline would allow them sufficient time to do that.”
Prosecutors from the 4th Judicial District have extended a plea deal to the Hallfords. If accepted, Jon Hallford would plead guilty to 190 counts of abuse of a corpse and serve 20 years in the Department of Corrections, concurrent with the federal sentencing. Carie Hallford would also plead guilty to 190 counts of abuse of a corpse and serve 15-20 years in the DOC, concurrent with federal sentencing. The plea offers are set to expire on October 4.
The couple's charges stem from allegations that they accepted payment from families for cremations but instead stacked the 189 bodies in their Penrose facility and provided families with concrete powder in place of ashes. In early October, Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a foul odor emanating from the Return to Nature Funeral Home, formerly located at 31 Werner Road. Upon investigation, they discovered the bodies in various stages of decomposition.
By October 13, all decedents were removed from the facility and transported to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office for identification. Michael Allen, the District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District, is prosecuting the case, as the funeral home was centered in Colorado Springs.
The Hallfords were arrested on November 8 in Oklahoma after prosecutors alleged they fled to avoid prosecution. Following their release on bond, the couple faced additional federal charges in April, including 15 counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting. These charges include fraudulently obtaining more than $880,000 in COVID relief funds.
Additionally, the Hallfords face a class action lawsuit in Fremont County on behalf of at least 13 families. The lawsuit aims to hold them accountable for the emotional and financial damage inflicted upon the families who believed their loved ones were being cremated respectfully.
The Hallfords are due to appear again on September 20 for arraignment in El Paso County District Court. As their legal battles continue, the community and affected families await justice and resolution.
“We understand the gravity of this case and the impact it has had on the families involved,” said Deputy District Attorney Rachael Powell. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the Hallfords are held accountable for their actions.”
This case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the alleged crimes and the number of victims involved. The upcoming court dates and potential plea deals will play a crucial role in determining the outcome for the Hallfords and the affected families.
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