Woman charged with funeral scam in Clayton County, Georgia

A woman has been charged by Georgia police for attempting to scam over $80,000 from families who have recently experienced a death. Earlier this month, local law enforcement in the Atlanta suburb of Jonesboro ended their search for Danielle Longino when they found her in Jonesboro. Longino is a former employee of the Anthony L. Watkins Funeral Home. The Georgia resident turned herself in at the Clayton County Jail after a photograph and description of her were sent out to the local news outlet and social media, WSB-TV reported.
Jonesboro Police Chief Tommy Henderson said in a statement that Longino, who also used the last names Langford and Watkins, has been accused of scamming families out of money while pretending to still work for the funeral home.
He said that she would contact several victims after they suffered a death in the family while they were making arrangements. “She would trick them into paying for caskets and funeral services.”
Longino worked for the funeral home at one time, according to police records. “Service with Compassion” is the motto of the business, which began over 20 years ago, according to its website.
An attribute that played into Longino’s alleged scam is that the company provides a customized homegoing experience for each family with a personal touch. She still acted as an employee after her departure, contacting families about funeral arrangements for their loved ones.
Henderson stated that, to her knowledge, they were looking for services at the funeral home, and in some cases, she would contact them.
People who know the suspect are conflicted between feeling worried about her and feeling bad for the harm she has caused.
Faye Yvette McQueen, one of the suspect’s childhood friends, says she feels for the woman “because something must be wrong.”
“I feel bad for the people that were scammed,” McQueen told WSB-TV.
“Justice and hopefully help,” McQueen added. She needs help, in my opinion.