The Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office announced the arrest of a man and a woman on Friday for allegedly operating a funeral business without a license in Houston, Texas.
At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, along with investigators and victims, addressed the media about the case.
Javian Major, 26, and Sandy Broussard, 38, face charges of forgery following an eight-month investigation conducted by Precinct 1’s office and the Texas Rangers.
The suspects are accused of defrauding individuals by forging beneficiaries’ signatures to obtain life insurance payments from deceased individuals, resulting in thousands of dollars being stolen, according to authorities.
Constable Rosen expressed his disgust over the case, emphasizing the vulnerability of people who have recently lost loved ones. He described it as a particularly heinous crime due to the timing and circumstances involved.
Major, who allegedly served as a funeral director, would reportedly solicit money and insurance policy details from victims, authorities stated.
Approximately 50 people have contacted authorities with information about potential additional individuals involved in the fraudulent operation, according to reports.
One victim reported that Major depleted her family’s insurance funds and submitted claims for additional compensation from other victims. Another victim claimed that Major mishandled her son’s body inside the casket. Additionally, some victims reported that the bodies of their loved ones were missing.
Major’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, January 29, while Broussard’s is set for February 9.
