WINNIPEG -- Alleged irregularities in a defunct funeral home's customer records have authorities probing whether money meant for prearranged services went elsewhere.
Investigators are trying to find out what happened to the money, which was given to Russell Funeral Homes in Beausejour, and if any laws were broken.
A source said RCMP are investigating the matter to determine if the money was stolen. Sgt. Line Karpish, an RCMP spokeswoman, wouldn't confirm if an investigation is underway.
No one has been charged and none of the allegations have been tried in court.
FORMER MAYOR
Harvey Giesbrecht, Beausejour's former mayor and owner of Russell Funeral Homes until it closed recently, couldn't be reached for comment. His lawyer, Richard Middleton, didn't return a message seeking comment.
At issue are prearranged service plans where a deposit was given to Russell Funeral Homes.
By law, the deposit must be put into a trust account with an approved firm and held until the client dies and a service is held, said Gerry Gaudreau, executive director of the Public Utilities Board (PUB), which administers Manitoba's Prearranged Funeral Services Act.
But after reviewing the company's incomplete records, there's an indication some of the money wasn't put into trust, Gaudreau said.
He said it's possible some customers may be out the deposit.
RCMP NOTIFIED
Gaudreau said RCMP have been notified.
The PUB is trying to find people -- especially those whose money, it appears, wasn't put into trust -- who paid for prearranged services, which had not been provided on or before July 1.
Those people are asked to call Kristine Shields at 945-2638 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-866-854-3698 in rural Manitoba, according to a public notice of Russell Funeral Homes' closure.
Gaudreau said Giesbrecht told the PUB he no longer wants to be in business but didn't provide a reason.
In cases where the deposit was put into trust through the funeral home it can be refunded, or people can have it transferred to a different funeral home of their choice, Gaudreau said.
Winnipeg-based Wojcik's Funeral Chapel is operating out of Russell Funeral Homes' former location in Beausejour but has nothing to do with the previous tenant or the allegations, an employee said.
Beausejour is about 45 km east of Winnipeg.
chris.kitching@sunmedia.ca
