UPDATE:

Those who dealt with Flint funeral home not surprised by state shutdown

FLINT, MI -- The state has suspended the mortuary license of Swanson Funeral Home, claiming state inspectors found unrefrigerated human bodies stored in a garage without air conditioning for up to five months.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced the suspension as well as the suspension of the mortuary science license of manager O'Neil D. Swanson in a news release Wednesday, July 12.

In September 2016, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office filed complaints against Swanson, claiming gross negligence, incompetence, violation of a rule of conduct and an inability to serve the public.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Mike Cox, an attorney who represented the funeral home last year, for comment on the new suspensions and no one answered a call to the funeral home, located at 2210 King Ave.

The news release claimed state inspectors "found deplorable, unsanitary conditions and violations" at Swanson, including:

Maggots on the floor of the facility's garage and garage door.

Unrefrigerated human bodies were stored in the garage without climate control, some for more than 90 days and up to five months.

The building smelled of decomposing bodies.

Unsanitary preparation room without equipment or supplies necessary for embalming.

Blood and fluid stained casket pillows laying in the hallway.

Failure to register as a "producing facility" and submit a Medical Waste Management Plan, under the Medical Waste Regulatory Act.

Repeated violations of standards and laws enforced by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration affecting the handling, custody, care or transportation of a dead human body.

A failure to register to sell prepaid contracts or maintain a contract with a registrant under the Prepaid Funeral and Cemetery Sales Act.

LARA's statement says Swanson could be subject to fines of up to $10,000 for each violation of the occupational code alone.

"Members of the public who are in the process of or have used the services of Swanson and have questions or concerns regarding the operation of the home should contract (LARA's Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau) at 517-241-7000," the news release says.