Sun Apr 13 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Former Funeral Director Jailed for Defrauding Grieving Families

**Auckland, New Zealand** – Fiona Bakulich, a former funeral director, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for defrauding grieving families out of nearly $18,000 over a seven-year period. The Auckland District Court heard how Bakulich, a former employee of Tipene Funerals, pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including obtaining by deception and improperly interfering with human remains at Waikumete Cemetery.

The extent of Bakulich’s crimes came to light following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, when floodwaters revealed irregularities at the burial site. Investigations uncovered instances where Bakulich failed to deliver promised funeral services and mishandled human remains, including one case where a casket was not zinc-lined as promised, leaving a deceased family member “wrapped in plastic.”

Judge Evangelos Thomas emphasized the profound emotional harm inflicted on the families, stating that Bakulich preyed on their vulnerability during their time of grief. Nine victim impact statements detailed the devastating emotional, spiritual, and financial consequences of her actions. One victim described Bakulich’s actions as “robbing people at their worst time,” while another spoke of being robbed of precious final moments with their deceased mother.

The judge rejected any leniency, citing Bakulich’s previous dishonesty convictions and a lack of genuine remorse. She has been ordered to pay $16,902 in restitution. The charge of interfering with human remains alone, relating to a 2020 burial, warranted a minimum 12-month sentence, the Judge stated.

The sentencing follows a wider police investigation, Operation Lola, into the improper handling of burials at Waikumete Cemetery. A second funeral director has been arrested and charged as part of the ongoing investigation, although their name is currently suppressed. Tipene Funerals, where Bakulich previously worked, has confirmed that the second arrest is not related to their firm.

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