One of the owners of Fairview Memorial Park is scheduled to change her plea in Delaware County Common Pleas Court this week.
The owners of Fairview, Theodore and Arminda Martin, were scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 10 and face a charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and numerous theft charges. Prosecutors allege the Martins sold cemetery plots and other items to Delaware County individuals, but never followed through with delivery, and instead spent the money at a casino in Pennsylvania.
However, on Oct. 6, a notice was filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court scheduling a change of plea hearing for Arminda Martin. The hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Additionally, Arminda Martin was released from the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia last month after completing a one-year prison term following her conviction for federal tax evasion. She was taken to the Delaware County Jail upon her release. On Sept. 26, she posted bail and was released from the jail.
Theodore Martin is still serving his prison term for federal tax evasion.
Arminda Martin is charged with one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony, and 57 counts of theft, ranging from first-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies.
Theodore Martin faces one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony, and 77 counts of theft, ranging from first-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies.
Prosecutors report the charges cover 67 victims.
In September, Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley issued a ruling and ordered that Fairview Memorial Park Incorporated, the business that owns the cemetery, be dissolved and further ordered the cemetery to be sold.
Columbus attorney A.C. Strip was appointed as the receiver for the cemetery in May and reported that he is searching for someone to buy the cemetery.
The Martins are also facing civil litigation and criminal charges in Portage County, where they are accused of similar conduct at a cemetery they own in Ravenna, Ohio. A judge in Portage County has similarly appointed a local attorney to act as a receiver to care for and maintain the cemetery.
