Maplewood Morticians Stole Money From Customers: Police

Woodbury MN

19 February, 2020

11:55 AM

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MAPLEWOOD, MN — Theft and insurance fraud charges have been filed against the former owners of a Maplewood funeral home. David John Thorsell and Edward Peter Vasey, who were licensed morticians and co-owners of Maple Oaks Funeral Home, are accused of stealing money from clients who were intending to pre-pay funeral expenses. The criminal complaint alleges that from approximately 1997 through 2017, Thorsell and Vasey misappropriated funds from numerous individuals who intended to pre-pay their funeral expenses. Under Minnesota law, funeral homes are required to either hold pre-paid funds in trust or use the pre-paid funds to purchase an insurance policy. Thorsell and Vasey are accused of selling funeral insurance policies to individuals and not remitting the premium to the insurer. Additionally, they are accused of outright stealing funds that should have been held in trust, according to a news release. Police say the scheme was uncovered when the Maple Oaks Funeral Home was sold in 2017. "Financially preying on people who are trying to plan for their own death is truly despicable conduct," Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley said in a statement. "This case should serve as a reminder to all Minnesotans that anytime you purchase insurance or make an investment, you should ask questions and demand paperwork. Anyone who purchases funeral insurance or pre-pays funeral expenses should also be sure to talk with their family about what steps they have taken to plan for the future." According to the criminal complaint, the investigation of Thorsell and Vasey began after the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section alerted the Commerce Fraud Bureau. Thorsell indicated both men knew the client funds were not forwarded to the insurance company, according to authorities. "The alleged acts by these two individuals created additional harm for victims who were already dealing with a difficult family situation," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. "We are thankful for the hard work of our investigative partners at the Minnesota Department of Commerce."