A funeral home manager was accused of embezzling more than $436,000 in pre-paid funeral funds and insurance premiums.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the charges Tuesday against Erica Kaznowski of the Stapish-Cederberg Funeral Homes in Bay City and Essexville.
Erica is the daughter of former funeral home owner Lynn M. Cederberg.
Kaznowski was accused of stealing at least $436,000 from 89 customers between January 2005 through July 2011.
Schuette's office said the investigation began in July 2011, after the funeral homes continued operating despite allowing their licenses to expire.
"Conscientious citizens who purchase funeral services should not have to worry about whether the money will be there when their loved ones need it most," Schuette said. "We will hold accountable anyone who abuses their position of trust for personal enrichment."
Instead of properly escrowing funds and sending premiums to the insurance companies, Kaznowski allegedly embezzled the funds paid by the 89 victims.
The alleged embezzlement of funds was uncovered by an audit performed by the Bureau of Commercial Services, the state agency charged with regulating funeral homes.
Kaznowski was charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and seven counts of embezzlement by trustee, a five-year felony.
It was expected that she would be arraigned Wednesday morning in District Court in Bay City.
An obituary for Kaznowski's mother says she died Nov. 29.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the charges Tuesday against Erica Kaznowski of the Stapish-Cederberg Funeral Homes in Bay City and Essexville.
Erica is the daughter of former funeral home owner Lynn M. Cederberg.
Kaznowski was accused of stealing at least $436,000 from 89 customers between January 2005 through July 2011.
Schuette's office said the investigation began in July 2011, after the funeral homes continued operating despite allowing their licenses to expire.
"Conscientious citizens who purchase funeral services should not have to worry about whether the money will be there when their loved ones need it most," Schuette said. "We will hold accountable anyone who abuses their position of trust for personal enrichment."
Instead of properly escrowing funds and sending premiums to the insurance companies, Kaznowski allegedly embezzled the funds paid by the 89 victims.
The alleged embezzlement of funds was uncovered by an audit performed by the Bureau of Commercial Services, the state agency charged with regulating funeral homes.
Kaznowski was charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and seven counts of embezzlement by trustee, a five-year felony.
It was expected that she would be arraigned Wednesday morning in District Court in Bay City.
An obituary for Kaznowski's mother says she died Nov. 29.