HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed a lawsuit against a former Johnstown funeral director accused of misusing nearly $32,000 in pre-paid funeral funds from grieving families.
Allegations of Unfulfilled Services
The lawsuit alleges that Brittany Thomas, who managed Moskal-Reid Funeral Home and Cremation Services after her father’s death, accepted payments from at least 14 consumers for funeral services that were never provided. Refunds were not issued, even as the funeral home’s assets were sold in September 2023.
According to investigators, Thomas continued to contract for cremations, death certificates, and death notices, collecting a total of $31,749. In one case, she allegedly accepted payment both from a family member and an insurance company on the same day, resulting in an overpayment of $12,184 that remains unreturned.
Regulatory Action Already Taken
The Pennsylvania Board of Funeral Directors has already revoked the establishment license for Moskal-Reid Funeral Home. A cease-and-desist order was also issued against both the funeral home and Thomas, preventing them from offering funeral services going forward.
Legal Remedies Sought
Attorney General Sunday stressed the importance of trust in the funeral industry, noting that directors are expected to provide comfort, not further hardship. The lawsuit seeks restitution for all affected families, civil penalties, and a permanent ban on Thomas working as a funeral director in Pennsylvania.
The complaint, filed in Cambria County Court of Common Pleas by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jesse Harvey, underscores the state’s broader effort to protect consumers from financial exploitation during times of loss.
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