Funeral Director Avoids Felony Convictions in Prichard Corpse Abuse Case with Plea Deal

PRICHARD, AL (BuzzReport) – After nearly five years, the controversial case against Mobile funeral director Joseph Lee Bonner has reached a definitive conclusion. Bonner, originally charged with severe felony offenses including corpse abuse and operating an illegal cemetery, has entered a plea agreement, effectively sidestepping the most serious accusations.

Bonner pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges of Deceptive Trade Practices. This strategic move allowed him to avoid convictions on the initial felony charges of Abuse of Corpse and preneed funeral violations that had cast a shadow over his professional conduct.

Mobile County Presiding Circuit Judge Wesley Pipes formally accepted the agreement. Per the terms, Bonner was handed a sentence of one year in Metro Jail, which was immediately suspended for a period of one year of probation, as recommended by the State.

In addition to probation, Bonner was ordered to make restitution payments totaling $3,925. The resolution brings an end to a high-profile case that drew public scrutiny to funeral practices and cemetery regulations in the Prichard area.