MELROSE, MASS. (WHDH) - A former cemetery director in Melrose is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from families after he allegedly sold them nonexistent burial plots.
John Hughes, 70, was charged with theft. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said Hughes would tell families he knew someone had a plot they did not need. The families would then buy the fake plot, with Hughes allegedly pocketing most of the money.
Hughes allegedly set up his friends, including friends of his late wife, to act as the burial plot sellers. The sellers would receive checks from buyers, and hand the bulk of the money over to Hughes.
Ryan said Hughes sold 13 nonexistent burial plots that were worth around $70,000, continuing the scheme for years.
Hughes, who has since retired, was released on bail.
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