Indictment of Michael Naughton: Unlicensed Operation of Camelot Funeral Home

Michael Naughton, 55, has been indicted for operating Camelot Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, New York, without a valid funeral directing license, which had been revoked in 2019. The indictment, announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James on April 1, 2026, includes 20 counts, with charges ranging from grand larceny to unlicensed practice of funeral directing. An unannounced inspection in January revealed 13 bodies in various states of decomposition throughout the facility, including six in chapels and three in a detached garage, with two bodies stacked on top of one another. Additionally, 17 boxes of cremated remains were found in the basement.

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Naughton allegedly defrauded numerous grieving families out of thousands of dollars by falsely claiming to be a licensed funeral director. He negotiated prices, signed contracts, arranged transportation of the deceased, and presided over funeral services—all actions he was legally prohibited from performing. The investigation indicated that these activities occurred from at least May 2025 until January 2026. Naughton is also charged with forging a burial transit permit, a necessary document for the legal transfer of deceased individuals.

Newsday

Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Naughton heartlessly took advantage of New Yorkers while knowingly operating his funeral home without a license.” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of licensed funeral directors in ensuring the respectful treatment of human remains. Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard described the situation as “deeply disturbing and heartbreaking,” expressing sympathy for the families affected by Naughton's actions.

New York Post

Naughton has pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted on the top count. The indictment includes nine misdemeanor counts of unlicensed practice, nine felony counts of grand larceny, and additional charges related to fraud and forgery. The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County is representing Naughton, but they declined to comment on the case.

New York Post

The New York State Funeral Directors Association expressed anger and dismay on behalf of the impacted families, commending the Attorney General's office for its efforts to hold Naughton accountable. The investigation has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of funeral service providers, with Attorney General James advising families to verify the licensing of funeral directors before making arrangements. The Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office is collaborating with James’ office to identify and return the remains to their rightful families.

Mount Vernon funeral director indicted for illegally performing funeral services

• “Naughton heartlessly took advantage of New Yorkers while knowingly operating his funeral home without a license and failed to take proper care of the remains in his possession,” — Letitia James, New York Attorney General

Newsday

• “This is a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking situation that has caused unimaginable pain for countless families,” — Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Mayor of Mount Vernon

New York Post

• “New Yorkers have the right to trust that they are receiving the funeral services they paid for and that the remains of their loved ones are being treated with the highest level of care during times of grief,” — Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner

Mount Vernon funeral director indicted for illegally performing funeral services

The Camelot Funeral Home case underscores the critical need for regulation and oversight in the funeral services industry to protect grieving families from exploitation.

Mount Vernon funeral director indicted for illegally performing funeral services