Phares Jeffrey, Wire Fraud, West Virginia 2024

A West Virginia cemetery owner has been caught in a grave scam after admitting to taking money meant for grave markers.

Jeffrey Phares, 65, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for his role in a scheme that left customers out of pocket for their memorial purchases.

Phares operated four cemeteries across North Central West Virginia, including Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew.

In a brazen scheme, Phares accepted payments and design approvals for grave markers before misappropriating the funds for personal use.

He repeatedly misled victims about delivery delays, causing estimated losses between $250,000 and $550,000. The authorities have been investigating the case since the allegations first surfaced.

Phares faces up to 20 years in prison and will have to pay restitution to his victims, with the amount to be determined prior to sentencing.

Phares’ plea deal includes cooperation with the government to determine the exact restitution amount. A federal district court judge will ultimately decide the sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, with investigative agencies including the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office involved in the investigation.

The U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the proceedings.

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