WHEELING, W. Va. — The sentencing date for a Fayetteville man who owns cemeteries in several West Virginia counties is scheduled for November.
Jeffrey Phares, 65, defrauded hundreds of customers, U.S. Attorney Matt Harvey said.
Phares faces up to 20-years in federal prison at the sentencing hearing scheduled for Nov. 10, at 10:30 a.m. in federal court in Wheeling before U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey.
Phares entered a guilty plea to wire fraud in March. He admitted to collecting money from customers for the design of grave markers and then used the proceeds for his personal use.
Phares owned and operated Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville; Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins; Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg; and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew.
Court documents said there are 225 victims who paid more than $600,000 to Phares for grave markers that were never delivered.
Phares has agreed to pay restitution to the victims and will provide the proof of payment to federal officials. The restitution amount will be determined prior to the November hearing.
Any other victims of Phares are asked to contact Harvey’s office or the FBI.