Indiana funeral director pleads guilty to 40 theft counts after decomposing bodies found
Randy Lankford, owner of Lankford Funeral Home and Family Center in Jeffersonville, faces a proposed sentence of 12 years: four years in prison and eight years of home incarceration, Clark County Circuit Court Judge N. Lisa Glickfield said.Lankford was charged with theft for failing to complete the funeral services he was paid for, and must also pay restitution to 53 families totaling $46,000.
Lankford was released to home incarceration following the hearing. A formal sentencing hearing is planned for June 23.Jeffersonville Police began investigating the funeral home early last July after the county coroner’s office reported a strong odor emanating from the building. The unrefrigerated bodies were found in various states of decomposition, and some had been at the funeral home since March.
Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said the many charges against Lankford and existing court backups from the COVID-19 pandemic complicated the process. He said he felt the state’s move to eliminate about half of the counts will grant the most immediate form of relief.Derrick Kessinger attended Friday’s court hearing. He said he trusted Lankford while the remains of three loved ones sat inside the funeral home.
“It’s been tough, but I do forgive him for what he did,” Kessinger said. “I hope he can find forgiveness.”
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Indiana funeral director pleads guilty to 40 theft counts after decomposing bodies foundThe director of a southern Indiana funeral home where 31 decomposing bodies and the cremains of 17 others were found pleaded guilty Friday to more than 40 counts of felony theft.
Read more »
Indiana funeral director pleads guilty to 40 theft counts after decomposing bodies foundThe director of a southern Indiana funeral home where 31 decomposing bodies and the cremains of 17 others were found pleaded guilty Friday to more than 40 counts of felony theft.
Read more »
Air Quality Action Day Declared for Northwest IndianaThe National Weather Service is urging residents to be cautious as an air quality action day has been enacted for parts of northwest Indiana on Memorial Day.
Read more »
Air quality action day issued for parts of northwest Indiana; high ozone levels expectedAccording to the alert, Lake and Porter counties could see elevated ozone levels between midnight Monday and midnight Tuesday.
Read more »
What to watch in June: 'Indiana Jones,' Pixar's 'Elemental,' Marvel's 'Secret Invasion' and moreOn The Red Carpet previews what movies and TV shows to watch in June, including 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,' Marvel's 'Secret Invasion,' Pixar's 'Elemental' and season two of 'The Bear.'
Read more »
Why So Many Indiana Jones Romances Are Doomed To FailIndiana Jones has had three major romances throughout the movie franchise, and a few elements show why his relationships so often fail.
Read more »