Burlington County officials announced that a 49-year-old Pemberton Township woman has been indicted for creating a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her husband’s cremation and funeral, then leaving his body in the morgue and using the donations for living expenses.
A grand jury indicted Patricia Clark on one count of Theft by Failure to Make Disposition (Third Degree).
The indictment was returned on August 13 and signed by Prosecutor Coffina. An arraignment will be held soon in Superior Court.
The investigation began after family members contacted the New Jersey State Police Red Lion Station and indicated the decedent remained in a morgue even though the money had been raised for cremation and funeral expenses.
The investigation revealed that Clark created the fundraiser after her disabled husband passed away in April 2019.
“Please, if there is anybody out there that can donate to help with the expenses, I would greatly appreciate it,” she expressed on the GoFundMe campaign’s web page.
“His children would also appreciate it.”
The investigation revealed that during two months, 28 people contributed to the cause, raising $2,050 of the $3,000 goal. The New Jersey State Police conducted the investigation.
The case was presented to the grand jury by BCPO Assistant Prosecutor Eric Cornog.
An indictment is an accusation.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.