Terry Alvin Kaufman, a 71-year-old funeral home director from Bad Axe, Michigan, was arraigned in Huron County’s 73B District Court on November 24. Kaufman faces 39 felony charges related to an alleged embezzlement scheme involving prepaid funerals and funeral insurance policies. The charges were announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Kaufman, founder and operator of Kaufman & Co. Funeral Home, is accused of collecting nearly $193,000 through the Huron County Public Guardian over the past decade but failing to properly escrow the funds as required. Authorities allege that instead of safeguarding the money for its intended purpose, Kaufman used it for personal expenses, including his own salary. The alleged actions affected 55 victims.
The felony charges against Kaufman include one count of conducting a criminal enterprise (a potential 20-year sentence), two counts of embezzlement by an agent involving amounts between $20,000 and $50,000 (each carrying up to 10 years), five counts of embezzlement by an agent involving amounts between $1,000 and $20,000 (each carrying up to five years), and 31 counts of conversion of funeral contracts (each also carrying up to five years).
Attorney General Nessel stated: “When families prepay for funeral services, they expect the funds to be handled with integrity, not siphoned off for personal gain. My office remains committed to holding those who commit such criminal enterprises accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Kaufman’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 4 before Judge Julienne M. Ferris.
Officials remind the public that criminal charges are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Department does not provide booking photos.
