The director of an Indiana funeral home where police found dozens of decomposing bodies and cremated remains has plead guilty to felony charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In July of 2022, Jeffersonville Police received a complaint about a foul smell coming from the now-closed Lankford Funeral Home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officers, as well as other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, secured the facility and conducted a search wearing hazmat suits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They reported 31 decomposing bodies were present along with the ashes of 17 cremated individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Randy Lankford, the business’ owner, appeared in court Friday and plead guilty to more than 40 counts of felony theft as part of a deal for failing to complete paid funeral services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plea agreement gives Lankford four years in prison and eight years of home incarceration. He must also pay $46,000 in restitution to the families of the deceased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said, with a large backlog of cases caused by the pandemic, this was the most immediate way to get justice for the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s important, as a prosecutor in a case, to say, ‘Can we get this resolved? Can we get convictions? Can we get an executed jail sentence? Can we get people their restitution they’re due and do that on a timely basis?'” he said. “We were able to do that in this case and I’m pleased with that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Derrick Kessinger attended Friday’s hearing. He says he entrusted Lankford with the care of three loved ones, including his fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been tough, but I do forgive him for what he did,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope he can find forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n