Funeral director charged with grand theft

Tampa, Florida - State authorities say a funeral home director sold a pre-need funeral services contract without a license.

Tebbie Singleton faces felony charges for allegedly making the sale and pocketing the money.

Singleton owns Singleton Funeral Home in Tampa. Authorities say he negotiated a contract for $3,855 for funeral goods and services and received a check for $3,155. The remainder was to be paid when the services were provided.

Investigators with the Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), and the Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services, say Singleton never forwarded the money to complete the deal and was not authorized to enter such a contract.

Only one possible victim has been identified so far.

If convicted, Singleton could face up to five years in prison on each charge.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim should contact the department by calling 1-800-342-2762.