YPSILANTI (WWJ) An unregistered crematory in Ypsilanti has been ordered to cease operations over major violations.
LARA (the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) and Nessel’s office issued a Cease and Desist Order against Tri-County Cremation Services L.L.C., a crematory located on E. Michigan Ave. near Ford, and its owners O’Neil Swanson II and Diane Swanson.
They were found to be in violation of the Cemetery Regulation Act by operating an unregistered crematory. They were ordered to “immediately” shut down and provide proof to the Cemetery Commissioner that Swanson "no longer owns, operates or has a controlling interest in the crematory business.”
LARA launched the investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint alleging heavy smoke was coming from the business’ chimney, bodies awaiting cremation while improperly stored, and bodily fluids leaking onto the facility’s floor.
The joint investigation verified the disturbing condition of the place and that the Swansons purchased it without going through the proper procedures and channels.
This isn’t the first time the Swansons have come under fire. In 2019, O’Neil Swanson was convicted of conversions of funds under the Prepaid Funeral and Cemetery Sales Act. A year earlier, his mortuary science license and his funeral license (previously held by Swanson’s Funeral Home, Inc. in Flint) were revoked over huge health and safety violations.
MLIVE reports those health and safety violations at the Flint facility included maggots on the floor, unrefrigerated bodies kept in the garage without temperature control, and a building “that smelled of decomposing bodies."
If you have a loved one who used the services of Tri-County Cremation Services LLC and have questions, please call LARA at (517) 241-7000. Authorities are in the process of identifying the bodies and notifying families.