Funeral homes raided for possible misuse of funds

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Two funeral homes were investigated by Indiana State Police last week as part of a six-month-long examination of possible misuse of funeral trust money.

According to prosecuting attorney Todd Meyer, last Friday, March 1, Indiana State Police (ISP) executed a search warrant on Russell and Hitch Funeral homes – one in Lebanon, one in Thorntown.

The search warrants were obtained and authorized through Boone County Circuit Court into possible misuse pre-paid funeral services by Russell and Hitch Funeral Homes and its funeral director, Jerry Trapp.

Meyer says any individuals who have purchased a funeral trust (pre-paid funeral services) from the company should contact the insurance company they believe holds their policy in order to ensure there is in fact a policy in place.

If an individual learns a policy is not in place, is not in the name of the proper insured, or if the individual detects anything else suspicious regarding their funeral trust, contact ISP Detective John Campbell at 1-800-582-8440.

No charges have yet been filed against the funeral home. The investigation is ongoing.