Man accused of operating unlicensed funeral home in Mount Vernon appears in court
Michael Naughton previously pleaded not guilty to operating Camelot Funeral Home without a license.
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Families watched the Mount Vernon funeral director accused of operating without a license appear in front of a judge on Thursday.
Aloma Washington was emotional outside of Mount Vernon City Court. Tears ran down her face after watching Michael Naughton appear in front of a judge.
He previously pleaded not guilty to operating Camelot Funeral Home without a license. However, Washington said her mom's body was discovered at the funeral home during a raid in January.
"He kept my mom's body down there for three months. What was he going to do to her," Washington said.
During the hearing, attorney's from the state Attorney General's Office served notice of their intent to present the case to a grand jury.
Naughton had no comment.
Joanne Sinkfield, Washington's family member who traveled from Albany for this appearance, had words for Naughton as he left the courtroom.
"Where was your humanity. Like come on," Sinkfield said.
Naughton's case is adjourned until March 5.
In the meantime, Washington is calling on Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard to do more.
"I want her to say something...Because right now, I'm ready to come for all of them," Washington said.
Mount Vernon officials said they have no oversight over the funeral home and said they sent their condolences.
Families we spoke with said they plan to be at the next court appearance.
