November 3, 2005 - For Immediate Release

Licensing to follow up on federal investigation into funeral director extortion charges

OLYMPIA—Allegations of a Fort Lewis casualty affairs officer extorting up to $300 per incident for directing military human remains to a Tacoma area funeral home is currently being reviewed by the Department of Licensing (DOL).

“The idea of any human remains being treated with such disrespect is shameful and very disturbing,” said Liz Luce, Director of the Department of Licensing. She further added, “We will do everything within our power to support the current criminal investigation and then conduct our own administrative review.”

If any wrongdoing is found by DOL, the matter will be turned over to the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers that has the regulatory authority to impose administrative sanctions necessary to protect the public safety and welfare. Sanctions range from the suspension of a license, fines, revocation of a license, or a combination of these and other options.

The Department of Licensing became aware of the situation yesterday after the FBI made the arrest of the Fort Lewis casualty affairs officer. DOL has been in contact with both the FBI and Fort Lewis to offer any assistance.

DOL is charged with ensuring that funeral homes and funeral directors provide their important services in a safe, ethical, fair, and respectful manner. This is done through annual inspections of all funeral homes and crematories statewide, audits and investigating complaints. The State currently licenses 240 funeral homes, 149 cemeteries, 71 crematories, and 569 funeral directors statewide. In Pierce County, there are 17 licensed funeral establishments.