(WWJ) Another shocking case of mishandling the deceased was revealed today when the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs determined Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton is improperly storing the remains of more than 300 infants and fetuses

Some of the remains dated back to 2009, and crypts were repeatedly opened to have new bodies added.

"The crypts were not purchased by loved ones of the deceased, but were used as temporary storage until each crypt was full at which point final disposition would presumably occur. The uncremated remains were stored in plastic containers inadequately sealed with duct tape and, in some cases, leaking fluid," the regulatory agency said in a press release.

Most of the more than 300 remains appeared to be stored on behalf of Perry Funeral Home. Perry’s mortuary science license was suspended after the remains of fetuses were found in the funeral home ceiling. The investigations into Knollwood and Perry remain open.

Knollwood's license was immediately suspended, banning them from any new cemetery and crematory services. Previous contracts for burial may be fulfilled.

The regulatory agency that released these details has no criminal authority, however they noted violations of state or local laws affecting the handling, custody, care, or transportation of a dead human body are also violations of the occupational code and the cemetery regulation act. Those violations can be addressed by local law enforcement or by state courts.

The latest revelation comes after discovery of previous Knollwood violations that led to a cease and desist being ordered against the cemetery last week for multiple violations of state laws..

Those were:

Twenty-seven plastic containers containing an undetermined number of uncremated remains lacked the appropriate documentation, including, but not limited to, incomplete or missing burial transit permits, death certificates, and “Final Disposition of Stillbirth” forms. In some cases, Knollwood obtained possession of deceased infants without first being expressly directed or authorized to do so by a relative of the deceased persons or a person entitled to custody.

The state found in other cases, Knollwood, after agreeing to provide for the final disposition of the deceased infants and fetuses, failed to properly dispose of them for more than 60 or 180 days after the date it took possession of them. Unless certain exceptions exist, the Michigan Penal Code prohibits a cemetery, after agreeing to provide for the final disposition of a dead human body, from failing or refusing to properly dispose of a body for more than 60 days after the date it took possession of the body. Failing to do so for more than 60 days is a misdemeanor. Failing to do so for more than 180 days is a felony.

A formal hearing is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, before an administrative law judge in Lansing.

Knollwood may request a separate hearing to challenge the previously issued cease and desist order, and it may participate in a settlement/compliance conference before the scheduled hearing date. Knollwood’s registration under the Prepaid Act remains suspended, and it has the option to request a compliance/settlement conference or request an immediate hearing to resolve that matter.

Members of the public who have questions or concerns regarding the operation of Michigan’s funeral homes and cemeteries should contact LARA at 517-241-7000, or by email at funeralhomes@michigan.gov.

