For Immediate Release

SAINT PAUL - Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley announced theft and insurance fraud charges have been filed by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office against the former owners of a Maplewood funeral home. David John Thorsell and Edward Peter Vasey, who were licensed morticians and co-owners of Maple Oaks Funeral Home, are accused of stealing money from clients who were intending to pre-pay funeral expenses.

The criminal complaint alleges that from approximately 1997 through 2017, Thorsell and Vasey misappropriated funds from numerous individuals who intended to pre-pay their funeral expenses. Under Minnesota law, funeral homes are required to either hold pre-paid funds in trust or use the pre-paid funds to purchase an insurance policy. Thorsell and Vasey are accused of selling funeral insurance policies to individuals and not remitting the premium to the insurer. Additionally, they are accused of outright stealing funds that should have been held in trust. The scheme orchestrated by Thorsell and Vasey was uncovered when the Maple Oaks Funeral Home was sold in 2017.

“Financially preying on people who are trying to plan for their own death is truly despicable conduct,” said Commissioner Kelley. “This case should serve as a reminder to all Minnesotans that anytime you purchase insurance or make an investment, you should ask questions and demand paperwork. Anyone who purchases funeral insurance or pre-pays funeral expenses should also be sure to talk with their family about what steps they have taken to plan for the future.”

According to the criminal complaint, the Commerce Fraud Bureau began investigating Thorsell and Vasey after being contacted by the Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science Section. A Commerce Fraud Bureau special agent was able to interview both Thorsell and Vasey during the course of the investigation. Thorsell indicated both men knew the client funds were not forwarded to the insurance company.

“The alleged acts by these two individuals created additional harm for victims who were already dealing with a difficult family situation,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. “We are thankful for the hard work of our investigative partners at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.”

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

How to Protect Yourself

The Department of Commerce wants you to protect yourself and your loved ones from being victims of fraud. Always remember to do your due diligence when purchasing insurance or financial services. Ask what you are actually paying for. Are you buying only merchandise, like a casket and vault, or are you purchasing funeral services? Are you purchasing an insurance policy or is your money going into an interest earning trust account? Are you protected if the firm you dealt with goes out of business? Be sure to tell your family about the plans you’ve made and where your insurance and financial documents are located.

Commerce is Here to Help

If you have a question or concern about a possible scam or fraud scheme, contact the Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-239-1600 or 800-657-3602.

The Commerce Fraud Bureau is a law enforcement agency within the Minnesota Department of Commerce charged with conducting criminal investigations involving insurance fraud and related crimes.

With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce###

Contact: Brian Strub
Assistant Director of Communications
brian.strub@state.mn.us
651-539-1464