A former cemetery worker in Cook County has been accused of allegedly Stealing over $114,000 in funeral expenses from families.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office charged Latrecia Marshall-Parris, 48, with two counts of continuing a financial crime business, felony theft, and theft deception/intent.
Sheriff’s officers initiated an inquiry into the suspected theft when staff at a Glenwood cemetery reported in August 2023 that one of their employees had allegedly taken cash from a family for a headstone and deposited a smaller amount into her employer’s account.
The employee, Marshall-Parris, was later sacked. According to the sheriff’s office, she had assisted families in preparing funerals, including acquiring headstones, which they frequently paid for in cash.
Detectives discovered that Marshall-Parris withdrew portions of the families’ money 49 times between April 2022 and August 2023.
Harvey police issued a warrant for her last month, detained her last Wednesday, and then transferred her to the sheriff’s office.
Marshall-Parris appeared in court on Friday, and a judge ordered that she be freed from detention to await trial.
Court documents state that she will make another appearance for a preliminary hearing on May 2.