A 26-year-old man with a criminal past is now a fugitive after allegedly posing as a funeral director and victimizing dozens, according to authorities. Javian Major is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent funeral business, stealing insurance funds, and mishandling the bodies of the deceased, reports FOX 26 Houston. Major, alongside 38-year-old Sandy Broussard, faces charges of forgery following an extensive eight-month investigation by Harris County officials and the Texas Rangers.
The shocking crimes included charging money for unperformed services and Major is said to have even taken to mishandle the dead, with "One family stating their son's body was beaten to a pulp in the casket," according to Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers, as mentioned by FOX 26 Houston. Despite his past of bond forfeitures and the serious nature of the allegations, Major was released on what some are calling a shockingly low $10,000 bond set by 262nd Criminal Judge Lori Chambers Gray. "A guy like this should have probably never been let out of jail," Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen was quoted saying to FOX 26 Houston.
Authorities are now left to track down the absconded Major after his bonding company filed an affidavit of surety to surrender, which was granted by the court. According to Mario Garza, President of Professional Bondsmen of Harris County, the company was unable to ensure Major's court appearance after he repeatedly failed to check-in. In response, a judge has issued a no-contact order against Major to prevent him from reaching out to any clients he allegedly defrauded, as per a recent court hearing reported by ABC 13 Houston.
Adding to the complexities, investigators believe there may be more individuals connected to this illegal operation, with at least 50 people reporting to authorities so far. One victim told ABC 13 Houston that Major "had wiped out her family's insurance" and had applied to receive extra compensation ostensibly meant for victims of the crime. Major's accomplice, Sandy Broussard, posted a $5,000 bond and has a scheduled court date on Feb. 9, while Major's arraignment was set for Feb. 12.
