In a shocking turn of events, the owners of a funeral home in Colorado, Jon and Carie Hallford, have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly misspending nearly $900,000 in pandemic relief funds meant to help struggling businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. The funds were allegedly used for personal expenses such as vacations, cosmetic surgery, jewelry, and other luxury items, according to court documents unsealed on Monday.

The indictment also reinforced previous accusations made by state prosecutors that the Hallfords committed grave misconduct within their funeral home operation. It is alleged that they provided families with dry concrete instead of the promised cremated ashes. Furthermore, the indictment claims that the couple buried the wrong body on two separate occasions, adding to the distress of grieving families.

Federal prosecutors have also accused the couple of defrauding grieving families. The indictment states that the Hallfords collected over $130,000 from families for cremations and burial services that were never provided, further tarnishing their reputation.

The federal charges, brought by a grand jury, include 15 additional counts on top of the more than 200 criminal charges already pending against the Hallfords in Colorado state court. The state charges include allegations of corpse abuse, money laundering, theft, and forgery.

If convicted on the federal charges, the Hallfords could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000, as stated in the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Neff argued that the couple is a flight risk, referencing their escape to Oklahoma after the discovery of the decaying bodies. The judge has not yet decided if the couple should be released pending trial, setting an arraignment hearing for Thursday.

Carie Hallford's attorney, Chaz Melihercik, opposes the couple's detention and plans to argue against it at the next hearing. On the other hand, Jon Hallford's public defender stated that the husband had been following the bond conditions set in the state case and argued detention was unnecessary.

Public records reveal the Hallfords' financial troubles prior to the unsealing of the federal indictment. They faced evictions and lawsuits for unpaid cremations, even as they indulged in extravagant spending on themselves. The indictment alleges that the couple used the misappropriated funds, totaling $882,300, to purchase items such as a vehicle, expensive dinners, tuition for their child, and even cryptocurrency.

Previously released court documents shed light on their lavish spending habits, which included buying a GMC Yukon and an Infiniti worth over $120,000 in total. Additionally, they splurged on trips to California, Florida, and Las Vegas, as well as indulging in luxury brand shopping at Gucci and Tiffany & Co, and laser body sculpting treatments.

Both Jon and Carie Hallford have yet to enter pleas for the state abuse of corpse charges. Meanwhile, the couple's previous landlords, business partners, and creditors have been left grappling with unpaid bills and unresolved disputes. The Hallfords even claimed to a former landlord that they would settle their rent once they were compensated for their work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the pandemic, falsely featuring FEMA and Department of Defense logos on their business website.

The unfolding details of this case paint a grim picture of misconduct within the funeral home industry, as well as an alleged abuse of pandemic relief funds intended to support struggling businesses. The trial, scheduled for the near future, will determine the fate of the Hallfords and potentially provide closure to the families affected by their alleged misdeeds.