Return to Nature Funeral Home Co-Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Mismanagement

In a significant development, Carie Hallford, co-owner of the now-defunct Return to Nature Funeral Home near Colorado Springs, entered a guilty plea in federal court, effectively resolving most charges related to a scandal involving the mishandling of nearly 190 bodies. The case centers on allegations of deception, misuse of funds, and the mishandling of remains, which surfaced after a foul odor prompted a law enforcement investigation. Hallford, aged 48, who operated the funeral home with her husband Jon Hallford, appeared in court without showing emotion and agreed to a plea deal that dismisses 14 of the 15 federal charges against her. She admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, facing a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. Prosecutors are expected to recommend approximately 15 years of incarceration. Her husband, Jon Hallford, also pleaded guilty to similar conspiracy charges and is awaiting sentencing after receiving a maximum federal sentence of 20 years earlier this year. Both have previously pleaded guilty at the state level, with their sentences expected to run concurrently. The charges stem from investigations revealing the Hallfords' misuse of over $130,00...