INDIANAPOLIS — A northeast side funeral home has been given the green light to reopen.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency temporarily shut Rawls Mortuary down in August after a failed inspection. The Funeral Director, Benjamin's Rawls license was also suspended.
According to court documents, on July 19, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency inspected the property and found:
- Rawls' funeral director license was not on display
- The embalming room's sink was cluttered and inaccessible
- The trocar was unsanitary, and the area used to disinfect the trocar-contained items were not accessible and his certificate of authority expired on March 1.
As a result, the mortuary failed inspection.
The state claimed the funeral home was a danger to public health and safety.
The inspection followed accusations that the funeral home did not embalm 32-year-old, Tymme Stewart-Dorris.
Court documents allege Benjamin Rawls of Rawls Mortuary and Funeral failed to properly care for a Stewart-Dorris prior to leaving town for a weekend earlier this year.
Vicki Stewart says her daughter's body deteriorated and an open-casket funeral wasn't an option.
Rawls Mortuary denied the embalming claims.
Thursday, the IPLA reinstated both licenses.
"Horrible. I feel like our justice system is not a justice system. I am very, very hurt about that," said Vicki Stewart.
Stewart, says this isn't the outcome she was hoping for.
"I'm reliving my whole nightmare. I mean everything is being brought back out. Sleepless nights again, depression, the whole nine yards," said Stewart. "What he did was wrong. No expression, no gratitude, no I'm sorry. has been said. False allegations about my daughter and her health and so on," said Stewart.
WRTV has been in contact with the funeral home director. Their attorney will be sending a statement, according to him.
-
Deer disease's impact on hunting, feeding the hungry in South Central Indiana
For some Hoosiers, deer hunting season will be impacted by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). Lower bag limits have been introduced in some Indiana counties, which could impact hunters.
Winter is coming: How to get your home ready before the first freeze
As the colder temperatures hit, local experts are emphasizing the tips you need to remember to get your home prepared ahead of the winter season.
Marion Co Community Corrections to review protocol after arrestee escapes
Marion County Community Corrections says it will be reviewing its protocols moving forward after an arrestee escaped from a transport van on Tuesday.
Hamilton County opens first mental health crisis center in Noblesville
Aspire Indiana Health's Rely Center provides immediate support for suicidal thoughts, substance use crisis and psychiatric emergencies in a welcoming environment.
