Terry Kaufman, head of Kaufman and Company Funeral Home in Michigan, misappropriated $1,111,165 from prepaid funeral plans meant to cover future burial expenses for families. The scheme unfolded over a decade, involving 204 residents, including 55 individuals under county guardianship.
Despite collecting funds intended for escrow accounts or specialized insurance policies, Kaufman diverted the money for personal use without securing legitimate coverage. The fraud came to light after an investigation revealed no escrow deposits or valid insurance for the payments collected, especially those totaling more than $218,000 from the Huron County Public Guardian’s Office.
Authorities charged Kaufman with 39 felonies related to embezzlement, to which he pleaded no contest. A judge sentenced him to a minimum of seven years in prison and ordered repayment of the stolen funds, though recovering the full amount appears unlikely. Huron County Public Guardian Jacilyn Braun highlighted the breach of trust, noting Kaufman’s respected status in the community.
