Maine funeral director who stole over $60,000 from clients sentenced to year in prison
Apr. 11—A former Maine funeral director has been ordered to serve one year in prison and pay back more than $60,000 that he stole from 49 of his clients.
Harold Lee Lamson Jr. was sentenced in Penobscot County Superior Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to 16 counts of felony theft and six related misdemeanor charges, according to Assistant District Attorney Christopher Smith.
Though he isn't required to pay any fines, Lamson does need to pay back the $63,965.83 he stole from his clients while operating four funeral homes in Penobscot and Washington counties, Smith said.
Lamson took the money from mortuary trusts, which set money aside for funeral expenses. Some Mainers told the Press Herald last year that they wanted to see the former funeral director behind bars, but said neither prison time nor restitution could make up for the pain he caused while they planned their loved ones' funerals.
After paying funeral expenses, funeral directors in Maine must return all leftover funds from most kinds of mortuary trusts, according to state law.
Lamson's attorney did not immediately return requests for comment on the sentencing.
This story will be updated.
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