From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Judge orders new inspection of South Deering funeral home
Judge mandates fresh inspection of South Deering funeral home after 56 bodies found.
In brief
Judge mandates fresh inspection of South Deering funeral home after 56 bodies found. Cook County Judge Rodriguez ordered new inspection of South Chicago Chapel following discovery of 56 decomposing bodies, barring owners Clark and Johanna Morgan from using the facility. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Judge orders new inspection
Cook County Judge Rodriguez ordered a new inspection of South Chicago Chapel after 56 decomposing bodies were found in South Deering neighborhood.
Morgans barred from using facility
The Morgan couple was barred by court order from using, renting or leasing the South Chicago Chapel at 2939 E. 95th St.
City sued Morgans for violations
City attorneys sued Clark and Johanna Morgan for alleged building code violations at the now-shuttered South Deering business.
Inspection scheduled for Oct 23
The city wants a new inspection of the building to happen on October 23, with interior checks and Morgan presence required.
Daily fine proposed
City’s Department of Buildings asked the judge to issue a $11,500 per day fine for every day violations are not corrected.
Morgans not present at hearing
The Morgans were not present at the hearing but their attorney said they did not object to the court orders.
56 bodies discovered
State investigators found 56 decomposing bodies inside South Chicago Chapel on August 6 after receiving a tip about improper storage.
Johanna Morgan’s license suspended
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza suspended Johanna Morgan’s funeral director and embalmer’s license following the discovery.
Mendoza seeks permanent revocation
The agency is now seeking to permanently revoke Johanna Morgan’s license after the discovery of 56 bodies.
Marketa Kristofek’s search
Marketa Kristofek, a mother searching for her son’s remains since his death in November 2010, sat in court hoping the Morgans would show up.
Kristofek’s complaints
Kristofek filed more than 30 complaints about the Morgans with Mendoza’s office and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Kristofek’s concerns
Kristofek said the Morgans were able to leave one site and operate at another despite having a revoked license.
The takeaway
Cook County Judge Rodriguez ordered new inspection of South Chicago Chapel following discovery of 56 decomposing bodies, barring owners Clark and Johanna Morgan from using the facility.
