In a case that has shaken Houston, Javian Major, 26, and Sandy Broussard, 38, have been accused of running an unauthorized funeral business, allege to have defrauded dozens. FOX 26 Houston reports the duo faced charges for stealing life insurance funds and charging for services not rendered. "We are charged with protecting Texas consumers in the funeral industry and these are very concerning allegations," James White, the Executive Director of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, stated.
Despite Major's history of criminal activity and previous bond forfeitures, the 262nd Criminal District Court Judge Lori Chambers Gray set his bond at $10,000, a decision that stirred controversy. "He was in and out before you blinked," Andy Kahan from Crime Stoppers told FOX 26 Houston. Broussard, with seven felony convictions and parole extending until 2040, was granted a PR bond by magistrate Renette Franklin.
ABC13 covered the court hearing where Major was ordered not to contact clients he allegedly defrauded. Both he and Broussard face forgery charges following an investigation by Precinct 1 and the Texas Rangers. Major is said to have posed as an funeral director, collecting insurance policy details and funds fraudulently. The victims have reported shocking abuses, including mismanagement of their loved ones' remains.
According to one victim interviewed by ABC13, Major decimated her family's insurance, and there were reports of a body being forced into a casket. At least 50 individuals have approached the authorities with concerns about more potential wrongdoers linked to the operation.
Amid the public's distress, Major's arraignment is set for February 12, and Broussard will be back in court on February 9. As they await their respective court dates, the conversation about the judicial decisions made regarding their bonds continues to polarize Houstonians, calling into question the safeguarding measures in place for pretrial release decisions.
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