A funeral home in New York, known as “Camelot,” allegedly left grieving families in distress while mishandling deceased bodies, according to officials. Reports indicate that stacks of cash were found alongside decomposing remains stored in garages, resembling a storage facility rather than a compassionate place of farewell.
Michael Norton, 55, from Long Island, is accused of running the Mount Vernon funeral home despite having lost his license seven years prior. Prosecutors, backed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, revealed a 20-count indictment outlining his fraudulent activities that deceived numerous families seeking support during their times of loss.
“Planning a funeral is incredibly challenging,” James stated. “Norton exploited vulnerable New Yorkers by operating illegally and neglecting the care of the remains he was supposed to handle.”
A surprise check in January conducted by the New York State Department of Health uncovered 17 boxes containing cremated remains in varying degrees of decay, reportedly scattered throughout the building and even stacked in a warehouse-like manner.
The scene prompted State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to issue an emergency order, effectively shutting down Camelot and demanding that Norton provide all relevant records and cooperate with investigations.
“What was discovered at Camelot underscores the necessity for trusting only licensed funeral homes with human remains,” McDonald remarked.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard voiced concern, saying, “Families were taken advantage of in the most egregious way at their most vulnerable time.”
Norton, residing in Baldwin, was responsible for negotiating costs, signing documents, transporting the deceased, overseeing services, and managing disposal—all actions he was not authorized to perform, per the indictment released in Westchester County Court.
The investigation indicated that Norton’s activities spanned from May 2025 to January this year, resulting in significant financial losses for grieving families. He also faces charges of forging a burial permit, necessary for legally transferring a body for burial or disposal.
“This situation is deeply troubling, inflicting unimaginable sorrow on many families,” Patel-Howard added. “I truly sympathize with all those affected by this betrayal.”
The indictment lists 20 charges, including nine misdemeanor counts for operating without a license, several felonies, including attempted grand larceny, one count of a fraudulent scheme, and the possession of equipment used to create counterfeit burial permits.
If convicted of the most serious charge, Norton could potentially face up to seven years behind bars.
