Jon Hallford, who ran the mortuary, Return to Nature, pleaded for mercy in court and listened as families of the victims described the lasting trauma of imagining their loved ones left to rot under his care.
Several called him a “monstrous figure” and demanded he serve the maximum sentence.
Hallford’s former wife and business partner, Carie Hallford, has admitted to similar charges and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors revealed that the mortuary stored 189 bodies improperly over four years, providing mourners with fake ashes instead of the real remains of their loved ones. The victims included children and infants, amplifying the horror felt by families.
Courtrooms were filled with grieving relatives urging the judge to deliver the harshest punishment possible. Kelly Mackeen, whose mother’s remains were among those mishandled, told the court, “I am a daughter whose mother was treated like garbage, thrown to decay alongside hundreds of others. I am heartbroken, and every day I pray for strength.”
Judge Eric Bentley said Hallford’s crimes tested the belief in human goodness. “I personally believe that each of us, at heart, has goodness,” he said.
“But we live in a world that challenges that belief daily, and Mr. Hallford, your actions have tested it to its limit.”
Hallford acknowledged his wrongdoing, admitting his actions would leave a permanent mark and apologizing for the harm caused.
Prosecutors said the couple was motivated by greed, even though they earned enough to properly care for the bodies.
The investigation began after strong odors were reported in the area, leading officials to discover 115 bodies in early October of last year. Hallford was also charged with attempting to conceal the improper handling of human remains.
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