00:00A county coroner in Colorado was under investigation after it was discovered that his mortuary business had been stockpiling dozens of human remains.
00:09This discovery happened just miles from the site of an eerily similar crime in which the owner of that business was supposed to appear in court for a day later.
00:20Investigators in Pueblo say they found decomposing bodies inside the funeral home improperly stored.
00:26They also say the owner admitted to giving family members fake remains and delaying cremations for 15 years.
00:33One of the co-owners of that mortuary is also the county coroner.
00:37No charges have yet been filed, but operations at the business have stopped.
00:42We are at the very beginning of a thorough, methodical investigation.
00:47Our top priorities are to respectfully and humanely process the scene,
00:52identify all the deceased, and notify their families and loved ones.
00:58Meanwhile, today's sentencing was delayed once again for John Halford on state charges of corpse abuse.
01:03He owned a funeral home in nearby Penrose, where investigators found 190 decomposing bodies stored at room temperature.
01:12The judge delayed sentencing today, rejecting a plea deal after hearing statements from families involved.
01:18Halford will be back in court in two weeks.
01:20He's already been sentenced to 20 years in prison for wire fraud.
01:24It's heartbreaking for families that have to go through this.
01:29It's just heartbreaking.
01:31These investigations follow the passing of a new law in Colorado,
01:35requiring more inspections for funeral homes and crematories.
01:38The key to putting an end to this, although I doubt that it will ever end, is inspections.
01:51And, you know, as far as having the state inspectors check these places and, you know, unannounced and just show up,
02:03and here I am, and let me see your facility.
02:08You know, that's one way this is going to put an end to this.
02:13So what should you do if you're ever looking for a funeral home or crematorium?
02:17You go to that funeral home, and I ask them, you know, specific questions on the crematory.
02:27Where is the crematory?
02:29You know, is it, you know, is it nearby or is it 30 miles away or something?
02:37You know, and I would like to be present the day of the cremation and to watch the start of the cremation process.
02:49For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan.
02:50If you want more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com.
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