A former Lancaster County funeral director will not face trial after choosing to plead guilty. Officials announced the development on Monday morning. Video: Meredith Jorgensen talks to victims about plea dealBen Siar was charged with more than 70 counts, including theft, fraud, and abuse of a corpse after police found several decomposing bodies at the Gundel Funeral home in Conestoga last year.During Monday morning's pre-trial conference, Siar pleaded guilty. He will spend 5 to 10 years in prison for bilking at least 38 families of more than $180,000. Monday's deal did not include the 4 charges of abuse of corpse. Siar will face a separate sentencing in March on those charges.Siar is accused of not cremating bodies when he was supposed to. Police also say he stole money by selling bad insurance policies for pre-planned funerals.

A former Lancaster County funeral director will not face trial after choosing to plead guilty. Officials announced the development on Monday morning.

Video: Meredith Jorgensen talks to victims about plea deal


Ben Siar was charged with more than 70 counts, including theft, fraud, and abuse of a corpse after police found several decomposing bodies at the Gundel Funeral home in Conestoga last year.

During Monday morning's pre-trial conference, Siar pleaded guilty. He will spend 5 to 10 years in prison for bilking at least 38 families of more than $180,000. Monday's deal did not include the 4 charges of abuse of corpse. Siar will face a separate sentencing in March on those charges.

Siar is accused of not cremating bodies when he was supposed to. Police also say he stole money by selling bad insurance policies for pre-planned funerals.