WARREN, Ohio - The investigation into a scandal involving two Trumbull County funeral homes has resulted in secret indictments and the arrest of three people.

The investigation involved the selling of pre-planned funeral contracts with the McDermott Funeral Home in Niles and the McClurkin Funeral Home in Girard.

Named in the secret grand jury indictments are; Robert P. McDermott, Robert McClurkin and Patricki McClurkin.

Attorney Charles Morrow of the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office says there are a total of 49 felony charges.

"Charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft of the elderly, grand theft, allegations of violations of pre-needs agreements, there's some forgery charges, and tampering with records charges," Morrow said.

The probe centered on the misappropriation of pre-paid funeral money from dozens of clients.

"Each of the individuals collected over $150,000 and ended up using it for their own personal needs and that is what is contained within the indictments," Morrow said.

The prosecutor said all three defendants were in court Monday morning.

"They came and surrendered themselves to the court today. They were brought before the court, the indictments were unsealed and they were arraigned," according to Morrow.

The court set bond for the three at $100,000s each, cash or surety, and also ordered that they surrender their passports.

In light of the investigation, both the McDermott and McClurkin Funeral Homes were closed by the Ohio Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

McDermott and Robert McClurkin posted bond, but Patrick McClurkin was still being held.

The three men will now await preliminary hearings on the charges.