Skip to main content

Unregistered Crematory in Ypsilanti Ordered to Cease Operations

Media Contact: LARA Communications (517-335-LARA (5272))
Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov

June 4, 2021 - Today, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), in conjunction with the Department of Attorney General, issued a Cease and Desist Order against Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C., a crematory located at 1106 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti, and its owners, O'Neil Swanson, a/k/a O'Neil D. Swanson, II, and Dianne E. Swanson. It ordered them to stop violating the Cemetery Regulation Act by operating a crematory without a registration issued under the Act. More specifically, it ordered them to immediately cease all operations and provide proof to the Cemetery Commissioner that O'Neil Swanson no longer owns, operates, or otherwise has a controlling interest in the crematory business.

The investigation was initiated after LARA received an anonymously filed statement of complaint alleging that heavy smoke was coming from the crematory chimney, deceased individuals were awaiting cremation and not being properly stored, and bodily fluids were leaking onto the floor of the facility. Evidence found during the course of LARA's joint investigation with the Department of Attorney General and verified the following:

  • In March 2020, O'Neil Swanson and Dianne E. Swanson purportedly purchased the existing crematory business without first receiving a certificate of approval for a change of control from the Cemetery Commissioner.
  • In early 2021, Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C. identified O'Neil Swanson as its "member" on filings made with LARA's Corporations Division.
  • Beginning in March 2020, Respondents owned and operated the crematory without a valid registration issued under the Act.
  • Deceased individuals were being improperly stored and bodily fluids were leaking onto the floor of the facility.

In 2019, O'Neil Swanson was convicted of conversion of funds under the Prepaid Funeral and Cemetery Sales Act. In 2018, his mortuary science license and the mortuary science establishment license previously held by Swanson's Funeral Home, Inc. in Flint were revoked based on violations of the Occupational Code and other health and safety laws. As a result, Mr. Swanson is ineligible to hold a controlling interest in a cemetery or crematory under the Act.  

LARA continues to work closely with the Department of Attorney General to identify the deceased found at Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C. still awaiting cremation. Members of the public who have questions or concerns regarding this crematory or who think they may have a loved one who recently received services there should contact LARA at (517) 241-7000 or by email at CSCLonline@michigan.gov.

LARA is a regulatory agency with no criminal enforcement powers. When LARA determines that one of its regulatory actions could result in criminal charges under a law it administers, those cases are referred to either the Michigan Department of Attorney General or local law enforcement.

Connect with us image

Facebook logoTwitter BirdYouTube IconLARA IconCSCL circle