The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Bodies Found at Unregistered Ypsilanti Crematory Removed from Facility
Media Contact: LARA Communications (517-335-LARA (5272))
Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov
June 24, 2021 - Today, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) confirmed that all of the bodies have now been either cremated or removed from Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C.'s crematory facility located at 1106 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti. This was no small feat and involved the cooperation and participation of multiple licensed funeral establishments, county medical examiners, and the State Vital Records Office, all coordinated by LARA with the assistance of the Department of Attorney General, in a matter of days. LARA and the Department of Attorney General are grateful for the prompt and efficient assistance of those organizations and individuals in authorizing, overseeing, and achieving the final disposition of so many loved ones.
LARA initiated its administrative action against Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C. under the Cemetery Regulation Act on June 4, 2021. On June 16, 2021, LARA also initiated administrative action under the Occupational Code against Comfort Cremation Services LLC, an entity on file with LARA's Corporations Division with a registered office located at 101 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1400, in Troy, and its members, O'Neil Swanson, a/k/a O'Neil D. Swanson, II, and George A. Drosis. Investigations concerning both matters remain ongoing.
On June 11, 2021, O'Neil Swanson and Dianne E. Swanson were ordered by the Ingham County Circuit Court to stop violating a cease and desist order issued by LARA on June 4, 2021, prohibiting them and Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C., under their ownership and operation, from engaging in activities that require a crematory registration under the Cemetery Regulation Act. On June 17, 2021, O'Neil Swanson, Dianne Swanson, and Comfort Cremation Services, LLC were ordered by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court, in a separate civil proceeding commenced by Ypsilanti Township, to refrain from participating in the removal of human remains from the crematory facility. LARA successfully intervened on an ex parte basis in that proceeding to enforce the requirements of its June 4, 2021 Cease and Desist Order against Tri-County Cremation Services, L.L.C. and the Swansons.
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.
Members of the public who have questions or concerns regarding these matters 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.