The owner of multiple cemeteries across North Central West Virginia has admitted to a wire fraud scheme that defrauded customers who paid for grave markers. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with the misappropriation of funds intended for memorial markers. Phares operated Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew.
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The scheme involved Phares accepting payments and design approvals for grave markers from customers. However, instead of using these funds for their intended purpose, Phares allegedly diverted the money for his personal use. Victims were reportedly misled with explanations of delivery delays when their purchased grave markers were not provided. The total estimated financial loss to victims in this scheme ranges between $250,000 and $550,000.
As part of his plea agreement, Phares has committed to making restitution to those he defrauded. He is also required to cooperate with the government by providing all necessary documentation to facilitate the determination of the final restitution amount, which will be established before his sentencing. Phares faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will make the final sentencing decision, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas. The investigation involved the collaborative efforts of the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone oversaw the proceedings.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia.
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