Sentencing Set for West Virginia Cemetery Owner Who Defrauded Customers

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A sentencing hearing has been set for the North Central West Virginia cemetery owner who defrauded hundreds of customers, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced.

Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, will be sentenced November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in federal court in Wheeling before U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Phares pleaded guilty to wire fraud in March, admitting to misleading victims who placed orders for grave markers, accepting their money, sending design approvals, and then using the funds for his personal use. Phares owned and operated four cemeteries including: Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew.

According to court documents, there are approximately 225 victims with more than $600,000 in unfulfilled grave marker orders.

As part of the plea agreement, Phares has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his offense conduct, and to provide the government with all necessary documentation to determine the amount of restitution, which will be determined prior to sentencing.

If you are a victim and have submitted your contract with Phares to the U.S. Attorney's office, the FBI, U.S. Probation, and/or the West Virginia Attorney General's Office, your information has been received and is being reviewed as a part of the restitution process.

Phares faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff's Office, and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.