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WHEELING, W.Va. — The owner of several cemeteries across north-central West Virginia has admitted to taking money intended for grave markers, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, pleaded guilty to 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.
Phares defrauded customers by accepting payments and design approvals for grave markers, then misappropriated the funds for personal use. He repeatedly misled victims regarding delivery delays, resulting in an estimated total loss between $250,000 and $550,000.
As part of the plea agreement, Phares has agreed to pay restitution to the victims. The amount of restitution will be determined prior to sentencing.
Phares faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
