LOGAN — A jury trial has been scheduled for one of the former owners of Nyman Funeral Home accused of stealing thousands of dollars from customers. Lonnie K. Nyman and Kent L. Nyman reportedly sold pre-paid funeral trust accounts and then used the money for their own purchases.
Both men participated in a status hearing in 1st District Court last week. Each have been charged with a pattern of unlawful activity, unlawful dealing with property by a fiduciary, and communications fraud, all second-degree felonies.
According to the indictments, the two men sold contracts for pre-need funeral plans to at least 105 victims. Instead of placing the funds in trust accounts as required by law, the money was deposited into two bank accounts. The funds were then used for personal expenses at fast food restaurants, sporting goods stores, as well as payments toward personal credit card balances.
Lonnie Nyman pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2022. The 47-year-old Millville man has been ordered to pay back more than $462,000 in restitution for 95 of the victims. The exact amount is still being determined.
Kent Nyman has claimed that he is innocent. He told investigators that his responsibility was primarily the sale and contracting for pre-need funeral plans, and he didn’t handle the financing. Lonnie Nyman would deposit the payments.
During last week’s hearing, attorneys asked for a jury trial for Kent Nyman’s case. The week-long trial was scheduled to begin March 20, 2023. Another pretrial conference was set for June 6.
Lonnie Nyman is currently in prison after being convicted of trying to have sex with a teenage boy and other crimes. He was originally arrested in October 2018 after family members found photos of the boy on his computer tablet. He later accepted a plea deal and was ordered to serve two consecutive terms of 1-to-15-years.
Kent Nyman could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
will@cvradio.com