Return to Nature funeral home co-owner Carrie Hallford was sentenced Monday by a federal judge to 18 years in prison after she pled guilty to committing wire fraud. She also admitted stealing more than 900 thousand dollars in government funding during the 2020 pandemic. Some 190 bodies were found improperly stored at the funeral home in October of 2023. Hallford’s lawyer was hoping for an 8 year federal sentence. Prosecutors wanted 15 years. Hallford’s lawyer says she was influenced by her now ex-husband Jon and subject to abuse that led to fear and anxiety. She is still awaiting sentencing on state charges, with a possible prison sentence of between 25 and 35 years.
