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Houston mortuary owners charged with crimes after allegedly keeping bodies in 'inhumane' conditions | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 15:43 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Richardson Mortuary in Houston Faces Criminal Charges Over Alleged Misconduct

On October 12, 2025, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced that Richardson Mortuary, a long‑established funeral home in Houston’s East End, has been formally charged with a series of criminal offenses. The indictment, filed in the Harris County District Court, alleges that the mortuary engaged in fraudulent billing practices, violated state embalming regulations, and unlawfully withheld critical documentation from families. The case, which is unfolding amid a broader scrutiny of the funeral industry in Texas, has drawn intense media attention and prompted a reaction from both the local community and regulatory agencies.

Key Allegations

The indictment lists several charges against Richardson Mortuary, including:

• Conspiracy to Commit Fraud – The mortuary is accused of colluding with its financial staff to overcharge families by adding unnecessary services and falsifying invoices.
• Wire Fraud – The indictment claims that the mortuary used electronic transfers to funnel money into personal accounts without the consent of clients.
• Violation of the Texas Funeral Directors Act – The mortuary allegedly performed embalming procedures that did not meet the standards set by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), including the use of prohibited chemicals and improper documentation of the embalming process.
• False Statements – The mortuary is charged with providing misleading information to the Texas DSHS and to law enforcement during the investigation.

These allegations stem from a series of incidents that surfaced over the past two years. In February 2024, a 12‑year‑old child who died in a car accident had his body handled by Richardson Mortuary. The child’s parents alleged that the mortuary failed to obtain the necessary permits for transportation and that the body was embalmed with an incorrect chemical mix, leading to a delayed funeral. Subsequent investigations revealed that similar patterns of misconduct had occurred with several other clients, sparking concerns about the mortuary’s compliance with Texas regulations.

Legal Context

The Texas Funeral Directors Act, enacted in 2008, imposes strict guidelines on funeral homes, covering everything from embalming procedures to financial disclosures. Violations can result in civil penalties, revocation of licenses, and criminal charges. In recent years, the Texas DSHS has intensified its enforcement efforts, citing a rise in complaints from families who feel they have been misled or taken advantage of by funeral homes.

The Harris County DA’s Office has highlighted that Richardson Mortuary’s alleged misconduct represents a “systemic failure” to adhere to both state law and ethical standards. According to a spokesperson for the DA’s office, “These charges reflect the serious harm inflicted on grieving families and the breach of public trust.”

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Families of Victims – The families affected by Richardson Mortuary’s alleged misconduct have expressed outrage. “We trusted them with our loved ones and were left with financial damage and emotional trauma,” said Maria Gonzales, whose daughter’s funeral was handled by the mortuary in 2023. “We demand accountability and restitution.”
• Richardson Mortuary’s Response – The mortuary’s spokesperson, John Thompson, issued a statement denying the allegations. “Richardson Mortuary has always operated with the utmost integrity. We are cooperating fully with investigators and are confident that the charges will be refuted in court,” Thompson said. The mortuary has also filed a motion to suppress evidence that it claims is “illegally obtained.”
• Texas Department of State Health Services – A DSHS official released a brief statement noting that the agency is reviewing Richardson Mortuary’s compliance record and will issue sanctions if warranted. “The safety and dignity of all Texans are our priority. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and will act accordingly,” the statement read.
• Funeral Industry Associations – The Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA) urged all member homes to “maintain transparency with clients and comply with all regulatory requirements.” The TFDA also offered to provide resources for funeral homes to improve their compliance programs.

Current Status and Next Steps

The indictment has scheduled a preliminary hearing for November 5, 2025, during which the prosecution will present evidence and the defense will outline its arguments. If the charges are upheld, Richardson Mortuary could face significant civil fines and potential imprisonment for the individuals involved. Additionally, the Texas DSHS may revoke the mortuary’s license, effectively closing its doors.

Meanwhile, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has opened a separate civil investigation into the financial claims raised by the families. The DA’s office has also requested that the Texas DSHS impose temporary operational restrictions on Richardson Mortuary while the investigation proceeds.

In the broader context, this case highlights an ongoing concern within the Texas funeral industry. A 2024 report by the Texas Funeral Directors Association noted a 15% increase in consumer complaints filed with the DSHS over the previous five years. Industry analysts suggest that stricter oversight, better transparency, and consumer education may be necessary to restore trust.

Conclusion

The criminal charges against Richardson Mortuary underscore the critical need for accountability in the funeral industry. Families who have suffered loss now face an additional layer of grief, confronting not only the death of their loved ones but also allegations that the very institution entrusted to honor their dead may have acted in a deceitful or negligent manner. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome will likely influence regulatory policies and industry practices throughout Texas. The community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings justice to the families and safeguards the dignity of those who rely on funeral homes to honor their final rites.