Detectives from the Michigan State Police Niles Post and investigators from the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) are investigating Legacy Family Funeral Services, 8747 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs.

A complaint was made against the business by a customer who was unable to obtain refunds of prepaid funeral arrangement funds. These funds are required to be deposited in an escrow account for use by the funeral home or to be returned to the customer at their request.

Investigators have identified at least 52 victims of this suspected embezzlement.

Auditors from DLEG obtained a complaint regarding the escrow funds and initiated an audit of prepaid funeral arrangements and prepaid funeral insurance. The results of the preliminary audit indicate approximately $207,000 was not placed into escrow as required by state law. The Niles State Police Post became involved in the investigation in June and is proceeding with a criminal investigation of the operators of Legacy Family Funeral Services.

If you have not been contacted by investigators from the Michigan State Police and you have purchased a prepaid contract from Legacy Family Funeral Services, contact the Michigan State Police Niles Post at (269) 683-4411.