Introduction to the Case

A former cemetery worker in Cook County was charged with allegedly stealing more than $114,000 in funeral expenses from families. Latrecia Marshall-Parris, 48, was charged with two counts of continuing a financial crime enterprise, felony theft, and theft deception/intent, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Background Information

Latrecia Marshall-Parris
(Cook County Sheriff’s Office)

What We Know

Sheriff’s police launched an investigation into the alleged theft after staff from a Glenwood cemetery reported in August of 2023 that one of their employees had allegedly taken cash from a family for a headstone and deposited a lesser amount into her employer’s account. The employee, Marshall-Parris, was later fired. She had worked with families in planning funerals including assisting them with purchasing headstones, which were often paid for in cash, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigation Details

Detectives learned that Marshall-Parris took portions of the families’ payments 49 times between April 2022 and August 2023. A warrant was issued for her last month, and she was arrested last Wednesday by Harvey police who turned her over to sheriff’s police custody.

Arrest and Court Appearance

Marshall-Parris appeared in court on Friday where a judge ruled that she be released from custody to await trial.

Categories of the Crime

The case falls under the categories of News, Cook County, Glenwood, Crime and Public Safety.

Conclusion

The case of Latrecia Marshall-Parris highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in all professions, especially those that involve handling sensitive financial transactions for vulnerable individuals such as families planning funerals. It is crucial for institutions to have robust internal controls to prevent such incidents and for law enforcement to diligently investigate and prosecute those who exploit their positions for personal gain.

FAQs

• Q: Who is Latrecia Marshall-Parris?
  • A: Latrecia Marshall-Parris is a 48-year-old former cemetery worker in Cook County accused of stealing over $114,000 from families.
• Q: What were the charges against Latrecia Marshall-Parris?
  • A: She was charged with two counts of continuing a financial crime enterprise, felony theft, and theft deception/intent.
• Q: How did the alleged theft come to light?
  • A: The alleged theft was reported by staff from a Glenwood cemetery in August 2023, leading to an investigation by the Sheriff’s police.
• Q: What was the outcome of the court appearance?
  • A: Marshall-Parris was released from custody to await trial.