The owners of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Jon and Carie Hallford, are expected to appear in court Friday for a plea hearing in their state-level case just weeks after pleading guilty to charges in federal court. 

Court records show that plea agreements were filed Nov. 1 by attorneys representing both Hallfords in their state-level case, meaning it’s expected the couple will plead guilty Friday. 

The funeral home, in Penrose about 35 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, came under a multiagency investigation in October 2023 after reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found nearly 190 bodies in various states of decomposition that were not properly stored.

In July, the Hallfords were offered a plea deal in their state-level case, where they face 286 criminal charges. On Friday, the Hallfords could enter a plea on state-level charges after their past several hearings were delayed, due in part to their federal case taking priority. 

In October, the Hallfords pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court. The couple will be sentenced March 20 and face a maximum of 15 years in prison, according to the terms of the plea agreement. 

The state plea deal, if accepted, could see the Hallfords spend up to 20 years in prison.

The Hallfords were originally scheduled to appear for their plea hearing Nov. 8, but the hearing was canceled because of court closures amid snowstorms. 

Jon Hallford is being held without bond pending the outcome of his federal case, despite being released on a $100,000 bond in his state case. Carie Hallford remains free on a $100,000 bond.

Friday’s hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in 4th Judicial District Court.

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