Woonsocket Funeral Home Owner Charged With Embezzlement

A Woonsocket funeral home owner is charged with embezzling over $27,000 from his customers.

The RI State Police Financial Crimes Unit arrested Todd Lauzon, 38, of Westerly, for Unlawful Appropriation Over $1,000, Embezzlement Over $100 and Forgery.

An investigation was started after a complaint was filed with the Health Department in November.

Lauzon allegedly converted $27,564 from client funds to his own money, by using fake withdrawal letters from the clients, and forging their names on the letters.

The funds came from 'pre-need' accounts that clients had, which are services paid for in advance of a client's death. Lauzon allegedly used the embezzled funds to pay for personal and business expenses.

Lauzon was arraigned in Providence District Court, and released on $15,000 surety bail.