Victims relieved as former P.E.I. funeral director sentenced to jail

Lowell Oakes, a former funeral director who stole more than $425,000 earmarked forprepaid funerals, was sentenced Wednesdayin P.E.I. Supreme Courtto two year less a day in jail.

Because the sentence isless than two years, Oakes will not have to spend his sentence in a federal penitentiary.

He did not speak in court, and was led outin handcuffs.

Oakes, 71, was the owner of Dawson Funeral Home in Crapaud. He pleaded guilty to 66 counts of fraud in August, including 36 counts of fraud over $5,000.

RCMP found the instances went as far back as 1996.

Instead of putting money for prepaid funerals in a trust, Oakes told creditors the money was used for operating expenses and to fund his gambling addiction.

RCMP announced an investigation into Dawson Funeral Home in February 2022, and in May of that year Oakes's funeral director licence was revoked.

Victims' family members react to P.E.I. funeral director's fraud sentencing

7 months ago

Duration 1:52

Gary Foy and Debbie Matters both have parents who were victims in a fraud case on P.E.I. that saw more than $425,000 for prepaid funerals stolen over decades. The funeral director, Lowell Oakes, pleaded guilty to 66 counts of fraud and told creditors that the money was used for operating expenses and to feed a gambling addiction.

In her sentencing, JudgeTracey Clements said the offences were a large-scale fraudand"not a mere lapse in judgment."

"The criminal activity occurred over and over and over again."

About a dozen victims were in court on Wednesday.

Trying to recoup money

Debbie Matters, whose parents lost $18,000, was relieved to hearOakes will be spending time in custody.

"His neighbours ... they drive by and see him walking around and doing whatever he wants to do after having taken money from people. And a lot of people, my father for instance, grew up with him," Matters said. "There is some satisfaction he's not going to be continuing to be in the community."

Families said there is relief the case is over, but many are still worried about the money they lost. The judgeissued a restitution order, which requires an offender to pay victims if they are able.

However, Oakes has declared bankruptcy, so some families hopethe government will step into compensate them.