Pa. funeral directors say state needs to enforce laws

STRAWBERRY MANSION (WPVI) -- A recent scandal surrounding some Philadelphia funeral homes is prompting local funeral directors to speak out.

Members of the Quaker State Funeral Directors Association say laws to protect people from illegal and unlicensed funeral homes are already in place, the state simply needs to do a better job and forcing them.

A news conference was held Monday to inform the public that before hiring a funeral home make sure it has three necessary posted licenses: a professional license, a facility license, and a business license.

They also wanted to express their dismay over what unfolded last month.

Kenneth Dupree, owner of Dupree funeral homes in Strawberry Mansion, says holding businesses like his to a high standard is critical.

He says, "Funeral directors are called to assist families in a very difficult time in their lives. And often families rely on us for our professionalism and for our expertise."

Monday's news conference was held in response to a pair of truly disturbing incidents involving unlicensed funeral homes over the past few weeks.

On August 25th investigators found three badly decomposed bodies inside a garage owned by Powell Mortuary Services in Strawberry Mansion.

Then on August 31st police discovered three decomposing bodies at Hawkins Funeral Services on the 5300 block of Vine Street. They also found a bag full of human remains.

52-year-old funeral director Blair Hawkins has since been charged with three counts of abuse of a corpse.

In the wake of Monday's news conference, Action News reached out to the State Department of Professional and Occupational Affairs. They sent us a statement reading in part:

"We plan to undertake a careful review of the law that authorized the State Board of Funeral Directors in 1968. Then we will work with the Board and the Legislature to bring about any needed updates and reforms."

Meanwhile, Dupree came short of saying the state is not living up to its obligation to regulate his industry, but he did say, "We're not accusing them of not doing their job. We're just simply saying that the current funeral service laws should be enforced and funeral establishments should be inspected to ensure that they are properly licensed."

An upcoming hearing is scheduled in Harrisburg for the manager of Powell Mortuary Services to discuss the status of her licenses, but as of right now no new charges have been filed in either case.