BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – A former funeral home owner accused of stealing thousands of dollars from clients pleaded guilty on Wednesday to all charges against him.
Harold “Chip” Lamson, 54, was charged with 16 counts of felony theft and 35 misdemeanors.
Prosecutors say the complaints against Lamson, who previously owned Lamson Funeral Home in Lincoln, East Millinocket, Millinocket, and Danforth, pertained to issues with stealing from mortuary trusts, deficiencies with funeral services, and not communicating with families.
On Wednesday, a judge in Bangor sentenced Lamson to five years, all but one suspended.
Lamson has also been ordered to pay back more than $63,000 in restitution to 49 victims.
Lamson was arrested in May of last year and charged with two counts of felony theft.
In June, the Board of Funeral Services suspended his license after he violated the terms of his consent agreement.
Lamson did address the court on Wednesday, taking responsibility and apologizing to the victims, saying he intends to pay them all back.
Both the state and his attorney agree Lamson is regretful for his actions.
“It was a very difficult case emotionally for a lot of people, but I felt like the victims were really heard, and we wanted to make that the focal point of it,” said Lamson’s attorney, Christopher Largay. “The punishment suits the crime. It’s appropriate. He accepted responsibility from the beginning when these things began rolling in, and we’re all pleased. I think victims, prosecution, and the defense to have it behind us.”
“There are certain cases he could have contested potentially, and he didn’t do so. He accepted what was recommended and accepted the restitution amounts, so we feel that he is recognizing the wrongness of his actions and taking steps to correct that,” said Assistant District Attorney Christopher Smith.
Lamson will immediately start his one-year sentence with the Department of Corrections.
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