Current:Home > MarketsHouston pair accused of running funeral home without a license-LoTradeCoin
Houston pair accused of running funeral home without a license
View Date:2024-12-24 03:48:19
Two people in Houston were arrested after authorities say they were running a funeral home without a license while also stealing insurance payouts.
Javian Major, 26, and Sandy Broussard, 38, were charged with forgery and theft respectively, according to NBC affiliate KPRC.
The pair are accused of conspiring "to forge beneficiaries' signatures, illicitly obtaining life insurance funds and stealing thousands," according to a Facebook post from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable.
Officials said at a press conference Friday that the monthslong investigation began with a tip to the Texas Funeral Commission.
"This is a case that absolutely turns my stomach," Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said during the news conference. "It turns my stomach because you're dealing with people at the most vulnerable time of their lives – after they lost somebody they loved and cared for."
Victims taken advantage of at 'lowest point'
Multiple victims of the alleged scheme spoke during the news conference about falling prey during their most sensitive moments.
“When a family is grieving at their lowest point, this individual had the nerve to take advantage of us,” Ernest Aakquanakhann, a victim of the alleged scheme, said.
The victims who spoke at the press conference reiterated their need for justice to be able to grieve.
"I have never heard of anybody doing this, but this man needs to be buried under the jail," said Shatammiz Hicks.
The accused are out on bond, according to KPRC. It is unclear if Major or Broussard have an attorney who can speak on their behalf.
Investigators believe there could be more victims.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- College Football Playoff ranking release: Army, Georgia lead winners and losers
- No fire plans, keys left out and no clean laundry. Troubled South Carolina jail fails inspection
- Artists, books, films that will become free to use in 2024: Disney, Picasso, Tolkien
- A Rwandan doctor gets 24-year prison sentence in France for his role in the 1994 genocide
- Military veteran gets time served for making ricin out of ‘curiosity’
- Iran summons Germany’s ambassador over Berlin accusing Tehran in a plot to attack a synagogue
- Separatist leader in Pakistan appears before cameras and says he has surrendered with 70 followers
- Lawsuit alleges Wisconsin Bar Association minority program is unconstitutional
- Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
- Ex-New York Giants running back Derrick Ward arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of robbery
Ranking
- Surprise bids revive hope for offshore wind in Gulf of Mexico after feds cancel lease sale
- What to know about abortion policy across the US heading into 2024
- Some state abortion bans stir confusion, and it’s uncertain if lawmakers will clarify them
- Community Health Network to pay government $345M to settle Medicare fraud charges
- Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
- As 'The Crown' ends, Imelda Staunton tells NPR that 'the experiment paid off'
- Sydney Sweeney reveals she bought back the home her mom, grandma were born in
- Consider this before you hang outdoor Christmas lights: It could make your house a target
Recommendation
-
Wisconsin agency issues first round of permits for Enbridge Line 5 reroute around reservation
-
Kylie Minogue on success and surviving cancer: I sing to process everything
-
Parents of children sickened by lead linked to tainted fruit pouches fear for kids’ future
-
Worried About Safety, a Small West Texas Town Challenges Planned Cross-Border Pipeline
-
The ancient practice of tai chi is more popular than ever. Why?
-
Minnesota has a new state flag: See the design crafted by a resident
-
Ireland to launch a legal challenge against the UK government over Troubles amnesty bill
-
Hey! Lululemon Added to Their “We Made Too Much” Section & These Finds Are Less Than $89