Alleged Funeral Home Scammers Back In Court

ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - Allegations of a pre-paid funeral scam have resulted in felony charges against the owners of an east side funeral home. The suspects are back in court Wednesday for a hearing to determine if the case goes to trial.

Mark and Lisa Buehler have already been arraigned on multiple felony counts for allegedly mishandling contracts covering pre-paid funerals. Wednesday's preliminary hearing will determine what happens next in the case.

The couple owns the Buehler Funeral Home in Roseville. Under state law, the funeral home is supposed to escrow the clients' prepaid funds in a special account.

Investigators argue that the Buehlers may have collected a half million dollars to handle plans for 200 funerals, and it appears the money was never set aside as required by law.

Prosecutors allege the Buehlers took the stolen funds and used the money for personal purposes.

Lieutenant Raymond Blarek said that if the pair is convicted, items of value, including two luxury cars, will be sold and the proceeds will be used for victim restitution.