Former Funeral Director Accused Of Embezzlement

GASTONIA, N.C.,None — A former funeral director is accused of stealing money from people trying to plan funerals for their loved ones.

Mark Howell, the former owner of Howell Funeral Home, appeared in Gaston County court on Monday. He was indicted in January 2009, but wasn't arrested until after he was involved in a car crash last week.

In court, Gaston County District Attorney Locke Bell said Howell left for his hometown of Elkins, West Virginia after being interviewed by authorities. Bell said Howell embezzled $250,000 from his funeral home, which offered a pre-need service, and also took money from people who bought burial plots.

Bell said police in Elkins couldn't find Howell, but the West Virginia State Patrol picked him up after he was involved in a crash.

Nelson and Pat Baker, who invested $22,000 in Howell's funeral service, said they didn't think they'd they the day when he was caught.

"I had my doubts about it," Nelson Baker said.

Though the Bakers are glad Howell was arrested, it doesn't change the fact that their stocks are now worthless.

"When that much is taken away -- that is a good little bit from someone who is retired," Nelson Baker said.

Howell is being held in jail under a $250,000 secured bond.

WSOC