Terry Alvin Kaufman, 72, of Bad Axe, pled no contest yesterday to embezzling and converting funds he received for prepaid funerals and funeral insurance policies, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Kaufman, who founded and operated Kaufman & Co. Funeral Home in Huron County, pled on Monday, March 16, to one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony; two counts of Embezzlement by an Agent $20,000 or More But Less Than $50,000, each a 10-year felony; five counts of Embezzlement by an Agent $1,000 or More But Less Than $20,000, each a 5-year felony; and 31 counts of Conversion of Funeral Contracts, each a 5-year felony.
Kaufman collected funds through the Huron County Public Guardian but failed to properly escrow any of the funds. He also stole funds from individuals who prepaid for funerals. Instead, Kaufman embezzled and converted the money for his own use, including paying his own salary, over the past 10 years. As part of the agreement, Kaufman will pay full restitution to 204 identified victims, totaling $1,111,165.77.
Kaufman will next appear for sentencing in the 52nd Circuit Court in Huron County on May 11 before Judge Gerald M. Prill.
