Former Cemetery Owner Convicted in Theft Scheme

Chazen, Deffenbaugh's civil attorney, said that Martin did not exercise "due diligence" before purchasing Southern Memorial Gardens, and that he voluntarily assumed the responsibility to honor any existing contracts. He also said that Deffenbaugh told Martin at the time of the sale to call him if he noticed any accounting problems with the trusts, but that Martin called attorneys instead.

Now, Deffenbaugh is forfeiting the $1 million promissory note from Martin so the money can be given to victims, Chazen said. Martin has paid about $150,000 of that into a court fund, Chazen said, and the two parties have reached a tentative settlement. He declined to provide details on the settlement.

"Mr. Deffenbaugh and Ms. Campbell wanted to resolve the civil litigation and the criminal case so they can move on with their lives," Chazen said. "Sometimes you need closure, so you can move on and start the next phase."

Dozens of victims and other interested parties were in court to hear Deffenbaugh's plea Wednesday. For some, it brought closure. For others, it brought confusion.

Christa Lavendt, 78, of Owings said she suspects that her husband and daughter were among those buried without waterproof caskets.

She said that she is not sure what, if any, reimbursement she might receive, but that she thinks she should get something, and that Deffenbaugh should go to jail.

"If there's any money coming, I'd like to spend it on my other grandson's college. It may be just be $30 or something," she said. "I paid for something. I do not know exactly what I paid for, but I should get reimbursed."

Deffenbaugh also faces separate criminal and civil child support cases. According to court records, he owed $43,600 in support as of March.