GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Customers who didn’t receive items purchased from Austin Memorial Arts, a tombstone and monument company in Bloomfield, were given the opportunity to pick up their stones or the equivalent on Thursday.
As we previously reported, Austin Memorial Arts and its owner, Richard King, are being investigated by Indiana State Police. The investigation comes after several civil cases were filed by customers who said they never got what they paid for.
Sgt. Kevin Ketz told WTWO that on Thursday, King, in cooperation with ISP, was on-site at the business from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to allow customers the chance to pick up their stone or the equivalent, noting that the stones may be unfinished.
Tony Thompson, a resident of Nashville commented on the situation.
“I think that this is ridiculous that this would happen to anybody, especially through a time like this,” Thompson said. “You know, you wouldn’t think that this would happen to anybody, as far as as you know a headstone, you know it’s kind of ridiculous.”
The endeavor was facilitated by ISP investigators. Getz stated that the investigation is ongoing. Once completed, the findings will be sent to the Greene County Prosecutor’s office and at that time, any possibilities of criminal charges would be up to the prosecutor.
Joan Thompson of Bloomfield noted feeling relieved when asked how it feels to be getting the tombstone after the long process.
“A little bit relieved, but I feel sorry for the other family members, they have to go through this,” Thompson said.
Getz said that anyone who has not received a stone or monument or was in a contract with the company and has not filed a complaint, to reach out to the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.
