CLARKSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The owner of multiple cemeteries across North Central West Virginia has admitted to defrauding customers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for grave markers, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Phares owned and 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.
According to court documents, Phares accepted payments and approved designs for grave markers but failed to deliver the markers, instead misappropriating the funds for personal use.
Authorities said he repeatedly misled customers about delays in delivery. The total loss to victims is estimated to be between $250,000 and $550,000.
As part of his plea agreement, Phares has agreed to pay restitution to victims and to provide documentation necessary to determine the total restitution amount, which will be finalized before sentencing.
Phares faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the proceedings.
