MELROSE, MASS. (WHDH) - The Middlesex District Attorney says that a man has been arraigned on larceny charges after an alleged scheme to sell unused cemetery burial plots.
Melrose Police and the Middlesex County DA arrested John Hughes, 70 of Melrose, and charged him with five counts of larceny over $250.
Officials say that Hughes, who at the time was the Cemetery Administrator at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose, was telling people that they could buy previously sold burial plots at discounted rates. He then allegedly set up pretend sellers for people to pay, then split the funds with the pretend sellers.
None of the “sellers” owned the plots that were sold; rather, they were owned by the City of Melrose.
Hughes reportedly sold 13 burial plots and made $75,000.
“These charges are extremely disturbing, as this suspect was the Superintendent of Wyoming Cemetery and allegedly plotted to take advantage of vulnerable residents during a sensitive time in their lives,” Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle said. “I would like to commend the work of the Melrose Police Department Detectives for their dedication and diligence during this case.”
Hughes was released on personal recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 9.
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