Denver, CO — A Colorado funeral home operator has been sentenced to 18 months in prison — the maximum allowable — after admitting to storing a woman’s body in a hearse for over a year and misleading her family about her cremation.
Miles Harford, 34, pleaded guilty in April to one felony count of abuse of a corpse and one misdemeanor count of theft. Prosecutors say Harford’s shocking behavior came to light when police discovered the decomposing body of 63-year-old Christina Rosales inside a hearse parked at Harford’s residence during an eviction proceeding.
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- 1 Judge Delivers Maximum Sentence
- 2 Plea Deal Avoids Trial
- 3 Public Outrage and Fallout
- 4 Wider Context: Growing Concerns in Funeral Industry
In addition to the body, numerous boxes containing cremated remains were found inside the home. Investigators later determined that Rosales had been deceased and left in the hearse for approximately 18 months, and that her family had been given the ashes of another person, believing they belonged to Rosales.
Judge Delivers Maximum Sentence
Denver District Attorney John Walsh said the sentencing, though limited by statutory constraints, sends a clear message about the seriousness of Harford’s misconduct.
“Nothing will ever undo the terrible pain that Miles Harford caused so many families, but it is our hope that this sentence will provide the family and friends of the deceased with some measure of justice,” said Walsh in a statement.
“Harford systematically and shockingly violated his professional and moral obligations, and, for that, he is now being held accountable,” he added.
Walsh also extended condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the incident and its lasting emotional impact.
Plea Deal Avoids Trial
As part of a plea agreement, Harford avoided trial and had several additional charges — including forgery and theft — dismissed, according to NBC News. He will serve his sentence in a state correctional facility, though it remains unclear whether additional civil lawsuits might follow from families affected by the mishandling of remains.
The plea deal was controversial, with some community members arguing that 18 months is insufficient for the scope of emotional and professional damage caused.
Public Outrage and Fallout
The case has sparked widespread public outcry and renewed scrutiny of Colorado’s funeral home regulations, which critics say lack the oversight necessary to prevent such abuses.
“This is absolutely appalling,” said Margaret Stevenson, a former regulatory compliance officer. “The system should never allow someone like this to operate without frequent checks. This isn’t just fraud — it’s a complete betrayal of trust.”
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has not confirmed whether Harford’s funeral home license was permanently revoked, though officials say they are conducting a full review.
Wider Context: Growing Concerns in Funeral Industry
Harford’s case follows a series of scandals involving funeral homes across the United States, including recent cases in Colorado where dozens of bodies were found improperly stored or misidentified. Advocacy groups have long pushed for stricter controls and regular audits within the death-care industry.
Families affected by Harford’s actions are now considering civil legal action, according to local attorneys familiar with the case.
