Some 31 decomposing bodies were found at a southern Indiana funeral home last year — and the home’s director has pleaded guilty to more than 40 counts of theft involving the improper treatment of the remains.

Randy Lankford, who owns the Lankford Funeral Home and Family Center in Jeffersonville, Ind. faces up to four years in prison and eight years of home incarceration, said Clark County Circuit Court Judge N. Lisa Glickfield.

Lankford faces the charges for failing to complete the funeral services he was was compensated for, and is also required to pay restitution to over 50 families, totaling $46,000.

Following a hearing Friday, Lankford was released to home incarceration. His sentencing is set for June 23.

Jeffersonville Police launched an investigation into the funeral home in July 2022, following a report from the coroner’s office that a strong odor was emanating from the facility.

Authorities eventually discovered unrefrigerated and decomposing bodies, some of which had been at the funeral home for more than three months.

Derrick Kessinger, a client of Lankford’s, attended the court hearing on Friday. Kessinger said he trusted the director with the remains of three loved ones.

“It’s been tough, but I do forgive him for what he did,” said Kessinger. “I hope he can find forgiveness.”

With News Wire Services