State regulators want to permanently shutter Perry Funeral Home in Detroit, where investigators found improper handling of human remains and other problems.

“Our investigation found numerous acts of gross negligence, incompetence, fraud, and deceit in the practice of mortuary science,” said Orlene Hawks of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, who added that the state's goal is "to ensure that this home and individual are never licensed in the funeral home industry again."

In October, the state found the remains of 63 fetuses and infants stored at the facility near Wayne State University. It immediately suspended Perry's license and that of its director, Gary Deak, and launched an investigation.

It announced the results of its investigation Friday.

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The investigation found that 36 fetuses were stored in boxes and another 27 were kept in freezers. Fifty four sets of remains were held without express permission from next of kin, the state said.

The state also cited Perry for failing to certify death certificates in a timely fashion, sometimes waiting more than a year and, in one case, waiting three years. Other findings included:

Storing remains in a disrespectful and callous manner in the basement of its facility

Reusing a casket that had previously been used in connection with the burial or other disposition of a dead human body.

Obtaining state aid to dispose of three deceased infants and fetuses and failing to dispose of them.

A lack of good moral character

Gross negligence and incompetence in the practice of mortuary science.

Perry Funeral Home spokesman Tom Shields said funeral home officials were reviewing the allegations.

“We are confident that our response to the allegations will establish that Perry complied with all applicable laws to the very best of their abilities and that a full analysis of those allegations will show that any issues or

problems lie within the system to receive authorization to bury and/or cremate

unclaimed bodies, and are not attributable to Perry," Sheilds said. "On the contrary, Perry Funeral Home acted at all times to provide respectful services and show dignity to the remains of those unclaimed individuals that came into their care.”

The October discovery at Perry came just days after a similar finding at the defunct Cantrell Funeral Home on Detroit’s east side. In that case, 11 infants’ remains were found after an anonymous letter arrived in the offices of state regulators in Lansing.

Just last week, Detroit Police recovered 35 sets of cremains at the former Ramsey Funeral Home on the city's west side.

Contact John Wisely: 313-222-6825 or jwisely@freepress.com. On Twitter @jwisely