“This defendant also filed fraudulent annual reports in 2009 and 2010 in an attempt to conceal evidence of her theft,” Heck said during a Tuesday press conference. “For nearly two decades this defendant systematically accepted money from these victims for their prepaid funeral expenses” and did not put the money with an insurance company or with a trust, which is required by law, Heck added.
McLin’s whereabouts are unknown, but Heck said during a Tuesday press conference, “Oh, we’ll find her.”
There is no indication that McLin, who Heck said has not cooperated with the investigation, has left the state, according to Ward Barrentine, assistant county prosecutor.
This the first case of its kind for Heck’s office, he said.
“Our indictment period goes back to 1993 and the money is still missing, so it’s an ongoing crime,” said Lynda Dodd, assistant prosecuting attorney.
McLin’s funeral director license and the funeral home’s license were permanently revoked by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors last year after the state discovered that McLin violated nine state laws and administrative codes. As a result, the funeral home, 2801 N. Gettysburg Ave. closed.
There were 50 victims, including 12 who are now dead, that were a part of his office’s investigation. Most of the victims were elderly or disabled.
The deceased victims did not receive the funerals they paid for. “Sadly,the families of those that have died suffered not only the loss of their loved ones, but during their time of sorrow, had to face the realization that the prepaid funeral and the arrangements that were made by their loved ones was all for naught,” Heck said. He added that the victims who are still alive face a loss of their money and paying for their funeral a second time.
One of McLin’s alleged victims, Jeannene Stroud, 74, of Dayton, said she was glad to hear the news about the indictment. Stroud had an irrevocable burial trust with McLin and ended up filing a complaint with the state board.
“Back in 2010, she more or less took my money. I think it was pretty close to $4,000,” Stroud said. “Oh, I am very pleased (to hear the news about the indictment). At the same time, I wonder when I will get the money that is due back to me.”
The prosecutor’s investigation revealed wrongdoing by McLin that took place as far back as 1993, Heck said.
McLin even kept, pursuant to a court order, approximately $20,000 in funds that were supposed to be garnished from one of her employee’s pay checks for child support payments.
McLin faces one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, two counts of grand theft, one count of theft from an elderly or disabled person, tampering with records, two counts of forgery, seven counts involving the violation of preneeds contracts.
If convicted, McLin could face 39 and half years in prison and face fines up to $105,000.
When McLin is arrested, Heck said the prosecutor’s office will seek a bond of $250,000.
Heck also noted that McLin could face more charges, but declined to elaborate.
Anyone with information on McLin’s whereabouts should contact Montgomery County Investigator Tom Shaw at (937) 225-4951.
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