A former Baldwin County funeral director has been charged after investigators say multiple families paid for headstones and memorial markers that were never delivered.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office announced that Tim Street, who was serving as funeral director at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley at the time of the allegations, has been charged with Financial Exploitation of the Elderly, First Degree.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in March when a Baldwin County resident filed a complaint involving the purchase of a headstone for a recently deceased family member. Investigators said the family spent months trying to obtain updates on the order and received repeated delays and excuses. The complainant also filed a report with the Alabama Funeral Home Board.
As investigators reviewed the complaint, they identified additional individuals reporting similar experiences. Authorities said those customers had purchased headstones and markers through Street but never received the items, instead receiving months — and in some cases years — of explanations for the delays.
The Alabama Funeral Home Board is conducting a separate administrative investigation into the matter.
During the criminal investigation, deputies examined personal and business banking records. According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators found “significant financial discrepancies” and evidence that Street accepted cash payments and checks from customers without depositing the money into Pine Rest Funeral Home’s business account.
Investigators also determined that several headstone orders and other services promised to families were never completed.
Under Alabama law, financial exploitation of the elderly generally involves using an elderly person’s money, assets or property for another person’s benefit through improper or unauthorized means.
The Sheriff’s Office said Pine Rest Funeral Home ownership acted quickly after learning of the allegations.
According to investigators, the owners “acted immediately” once the findings were brought to their attention and have been “fully cooperative throughout the investigation.”
The Sheriff’s Office said funeral home ownership has worked to contact affected families, address outstanding concerns and help resolve issues connected to Street’s alleged conduct.
Street was contacted by Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputies in June and later met with investigators before being charged with first-degree financial exploitation of the elderly.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional charges are expected.
The Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Funeral Home Board are encouraging anyone who believes they may have experienced similar issues to file reports with both agencies.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
