Further charges have been laid against an Auckland funeral director arrested by police investigating allegations of inappropriate handling of burials at Waikumete Cemetery.
The man was initially charged by police on Friday in the second arrest by Operation Lola, launched last year to examine complaints after bodies were disinterred by the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023.
Undertaker Fiona Bakulich, 48, was previously arrested and pleaded guilty to 14 charges, two of interfering with human remains and 12 of obtaining by deception. She would be sentenced in April.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin confirmed the charges were being laid against an Auckland man who was arrested on Friday.
“This man faces an additional charge of obtains by deception and one count of interfering with a human remains.
“I can confirm these charges relate to a second complaint made with police.”
He had previously been charged with obtaining more than $1000 by deception.
The man would make a first appearance on the three charges at the Auckland District Court on March 20.
