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Return to Nature owners plead guilty to wire fraud charge at federal court hearing

By 10/24/2024 | updated 1 year ago

DENVER – Return to Nature Funeral Home owners Jon and Carie Hallford appeared in federal court on Thursday to accept a plea deal, which could land the couple in prison for up to 15 years. 

In September, Jon and Carie Hallford, the owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, filed a notice of disposition and a motion requesting a change of plea on the 15 counts of wire fraud the pair face in federal court. 

The funeral home, about 35 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, came under a multi-agency investigation in October after reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found nearly 190 bodies in various states of decomposition that were not properly stored.

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The Hallfords pleaded not guilty to all federal charges at a hearing in April. A trial was scheduled to begin this month, but was vacated after the change of plea was filed by the Hallfords.

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Carie Hallford was the first of the couple to plead guilty on Thursday afternoon, but the process was largely the same for both. 

‘Impossible to fully grieve:’ A year after the gruesome Return to Nature discovery, the pain remains

Both Jon and Carie Hallford pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, with the remaining 14 counts being dismissed via the plea agreement. 

The sentence is anticipated to be between 78-97 months in prison by both the prosecution and defense, but the plea agreement stipulates that neither will spend more than 15 years in prison if the plea deal is accepted. 

During Jon Hallford’s change of plea hearing his attorney, Laura Suelau, stated that she expects the government to seek a higher sentence from the sentencing guideline’s recommendation; meaning they will be asking for a sentence greater than the 97-month maximum in the sentencing range. 

As Judge Nina Wang read through the advisements Jon Hallford spoke sheepishly, and silently with parties in the courtroom on occasion struggling to hear his responses to the questions. 

Carie Hallford’s attorney, Robert Meliherci, stated that Carie Hallford does not contest the more than $1 million in restitution owed in the case. 

The sentencing hearing was not scheduled at Thursday’s hearing, but Judge Wang stated she expects the sentencing would not take place “for a few months.” 

Hallfords appear in court, plea date rescheduled as expected

Attorneys were asked to get in touch with the court no later than Oct. 28 to schedule the sentencing hearing. 

Despite both Hallfords pleading guilty on Thursday, Judge Wang will wait until the sentencing hearing and the filing of the pre-sentence investigation report to accept the plea agreement for both parties. 

In July, the Hallfords were offered a plea deal in their state-level case, where they face 286 criminal charges. 

The state plea deal, if accepted, could see the Hallfords spend up to 20 years in prison.

The Hallfords are set to appear in court on Nov. 8 for a plea hearing in their state-level case. The state case continues to be delayed due to the federal court case taking priority — several arraignment hearings have been delayed as a result, including the most recent in September. 

In court on Thursday, Judge Wang had both Jon and Carie Hallford confirm they were OK with receiving their sentence in prior to sentencing in the state-level case. 

Jon Hallford is being held without bond pending the outcome of his federal case, despite being released on a $100,000 bond in his state-level case. He appeared to court on Thursday in a tan Teller County jail jumpsuit. 

Carie Hallford remains out of custody on a $100,000 bond. The government did not object to allowing Carie Hallford to remain on bond pending sentencing. 

‘It’s disgusting’: Nearly $1 billion judgment against Return to Nature Funeral Home a hollow victory

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Zachary Dupont zachary.dupont@gazette.com

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