Connecticut Funeral Home Owner Faces New Fraud and Gambling Allegations
Introduction
A funeral home owner in Connecticut is facing increased scrutiny following an ongoing investigation into financial wrongdoing. Recent reports have revealed years of mismanagement of client funds along with significant gambling losses across multiple states.
New Charges Arise From Missing Client Payments
This week, Philip Pietras, aged 51, surrendered to state police to answer additional charges related to his management of funeral homes in Vernon, Coventry, Tolland, and East Windsor. Authorities from the Eastern District Major Crime Squad uncovered that at least 31 clients, all senior citizens, lost money they had paid in advance for burial services at Tolland Memorial Funeral Home between 2011 and 2025. The funds, which were legally supposed to be secured in escrow accounts, were instead funneled by Pietras into accounts under his control.
The scheme began unraveling in late 2024 when discrepancies were detected by a company responsible for managing funds for disabled individuals. They noticed payments related to the Coventry location missing from expected accounts. Subsequent investigations revealed a systematic pattern of withdrawals and missing deposits impacting numerous clients. Former employees told investigators that Pietras personally handled all financial transactions and restricted access to trust records to prevent oversight.
Use of Client Funds on Personal Gambling and Living Arrangements
The investigation highlighted a broad spectrum of personal expenditures allegedly paid using client money. These included vacation cruises, hotel stays, airline tickets, and substantial purchases of alcohol. A significant portion of the funds was reportedly spent on gambling activities. State records indicate that from early 2021 through late 2024, over $1.2 million was spent at the Mohegan Sun casino. Additionally, Foxwoods reported bets exceeding $8 million, while MGM Springfield documented wagers totaling more than $8.4 million made by Pietras over seven years.
Employees also described unusual living conditions connected to the funeral homes. One staff member stated that Pietras resided at the Coventry funeral home for several years and allowed family members to live at the East Windsor location, actions suspected to be in violation of state regulations. Another employee recalled past holiday events that included trips to Foxwoods, where Pietras frequently engaged in high-stakes gambling.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The total sum of money lost continues to rise as investigations proceed. Separate charges have been filed by officials in Vernon, Coventry, and East Windsor, with missing funds totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some financial transactions remain untraceable, suggesting that actual losses may be substantially higher than currently documented.
As a result of the allegations, Pietras has lost his embalming license and relinquished control of the funeral home properties. He appeared in court following payment of bail, and state authorities continue reviewing additional financial documents as the investigation moves forward.
