Yolo County funeral homes lawsuit alleges McNary’s Chapel, Kraft Brothers defrauded nearly 1,000 grieving families
The Yolo County District Attorney has filed a civil lawsuit accusing two Woodland funeral homes, McNary’s Chapel and Kraft Brothers, of systematically defrauding nearly 1,000 families since 2020, allegedly taking over $500,000 through inflated fees and threats.
Key takeaways
- Who: McNary’s Chapel and Kraft Brothers Funeral Directors, owned by Paul and Lailene Wiggins (CBS Sacramento).
- Allegations: Systematic overcharging, falsified documents, unlawful fees and threats from January 2020 through June 2024 (civil complaint filed by the DA’s Consumer Fraud unit).
- Scope: Nearly 1,000 affected customers; alleged fraudulent proceeds exceed $500,000 (CBS Sacramento).
- Status: Civil suit seeks restitution and damages; no criminal charges publicly reported to date.
Allegations in the lawsuit
The Yolo County District Attorney’s complaint describes a pattern investigators characterize as systematic: routinely inflating prices, falsifying pricing documents and adding unlawful fees across nearly every transaction from January 2020 through June 2024. The suit specifically alleges inflated cremation and service fees where the businesses “pocketed the difference.”
One striking claim alleges staff adjusted sales tax rates—for example raising an 8% tax to 8.25%—and retained the extra amounts. The DA’s office says the total improperly taken from customers tops half a million dollars (CBS Sacramento).
Threats and family complaints
Beyond billing disputes, the lawsuit alleges staff used threats to coerce payment. In one detailed account, a family said Paul Wiggins demanded an extra $900 and warned he would turn the deceased over to the county as “unclaimed” if the money was not paid. That and other firsthand interviews were captured in local TV reporting (local TV interviews; CBS Sacramento video).
“They bullied us at a moment of mourning and pushed for money we hadn’t been told about,” one family told local media, describing feelings of exploitation and betrayal.
Legal action and what the DA seeks
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Consumer Fraud and Environmental Protection Unit filed the civil suit seeking damages and restitution for affected families and to hold the businesses accountable under California consumer protection laws. The DA described alleged fraudulent proceeds of over $500,000 but has not specified a final damages figure in public reporting (CBS Sacramento).
As reported, the funeral homes’ formal response has not been detailed in available media coverage. Remedies in civil cases may include restitution, penalties, and court-ordered changes to business practices; prosecutors could pursue criminal charges later if evidence supports them.
Background on the funeral homes
McNary’s Chapel and Kraft Brothers have served Yolo County for decades and have been owned by the Wiggins family since 1998, according to reporting. Their established local presence is why many community members say the alleged conduct feels especially painful and a breach of trust (CBS Sacramento).
Why the DA got involved
Funeral arrangements frequently affect vulnerable, grieving people. County prosecutors say numerous complaints to the DA’s Consumer Fraud unit signaled widespread consumer harm and prompted a formal investigation that led to the current civil suit. The case highlights the DA’s role in protecting consumers who may be less able to defend themselves while mourning (CBS Sacramento video).
Voices from affected families
Local interviews show raw emotion: families describe feeling mistreated, surprised by extra fees and pressured into payments. Those interviews were recorded in video reports and cited by local news outlets (CBS Sacramento video; local TV interviews).
Reporting standards and next steps
This article reports allegations contained in a civil lawsuit and families’ complaints reported by local media. Civil allegations are not criminal convictions; courts will determine facts as the case proceeds. The funeral homes’ fuller responses have not been published in the available reports.
Implications for Redding, California
Economic impact
Local funeral businesses are often small, family-run operations. Allegations of fraud can erode trust, push residents to seek providers outside the county, and shift spending away from local firms. If restitution is ordered it may strain the accused businesses but could return money to harmed families (CBS Sacramento).
Political consequences
The case may prompt calls for stronger oversight of funeral-home billing and consumer protections. Local officials and state representatives could face pressure to review regulations and enforcement; the DA’s action demonstrates prosecutors responding to constituent complaints.
Social effects
Trust is foundational in small communities. Allegations that a funeral provider exploited grieving families can fray social bonds and heighten anxiety about planning end-of-life services. Clergy and community leaders may need to help rebuild trust.
Cultural relevance
Respect for the dead is a strong community value. Allegations of coercion and threats run counter to that norm and may spark conversations in churches, civic groups and community organizations about expectations for funeral-services providers (local TV interviews).
Practical applications for residents
- Request written price lists and clear, itemized invoices before agreeing to services.
- Compare providers and keep copies of all contracts and receipts.
- If you suspect overcharging or coercion, report it to your local district attorney’s consumer fraud unit and state licensing boards.
Reporting and how to follow the case
The civil suit is a public record. The Yolo County DA’s office and local media outlets, including CBS Sacramento, will provide updates as filings and hearings occur. Residents can follow court documents and local news for further developments.
