Funeral director indicted for improperly storing bodies, embezzlement

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The former owner of a western Massachusetts funeral home has been indicted on charges of improperly caring for dead bodies and embezzling more than $375,000 from clients. According to CBS affiliate WSHM, William Ryder is charged with 56 counts involving larceny and improper disposal of bodies.

The station reported that the Ryder Funeral Home was shut down last May after an investigation found health code violations, but has reopened under new ownership.

Prosecutors allege Ryder embezzled the money between 2001 and 2014 from 70 clients who thought they had purchased "pre-need" funeral arrangements, when in fact Ryder funneled the money into his own business account.

Investigators also allegedly discovered five bodies in various states of decomposition after they were not properly embalmed.

At Ryder's arraignment on Wednesday, a not guilty plea was entered, WSHM reported.

His lawyer did not immediately respond to a message for comment, but in the past has said his client has "significant health issues."

Ryder was released on personal recognizance with conditions including reporting to probation once a week and staying away from any drug or alcohol use.