Jeffrey Phares, the owner of several cemeteries in North Central West Virginia, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting he took money intended for grave markers, according to a March 19 announcement by U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
The case highlights concerns about consumer protection and trust in funeral and cemetery services. Families who paid for grave markers were left without them as funds were misused.
Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, operated four cemeteries: Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew. Prosecutors said Phares accepted payments and design approvals from customers but used the money for personal expenses instead of providing the promised grave markers. He also misled victims about delivery delays. The estimated total loss is between $250,000 and $550,000.
As part of his plea agreement, Phares agreed to pay restitution to those affected by his actions and will provide documentation so authorities can determine the exact amount owed before sentencing. He faces up to 20 years in prison; a federal district court judge will decide his sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case with investigative support from the FBI, Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, and Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the proceedings.
The outcome of this case may prompt increased scrutiny of business practices within the funeral industry as families seek assurance that their payments are handled properly.
