Douglas Funeral Home owner faces charges after search uncovers 18 decomposing bodies

DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) – The owner of Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services in Douglas has been charged after 18 bodies were found in various states of decomposition.

According to a release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), 39-year-old Chris Johnson is charged with 17 counts of abuse of a corpse.

WALB previously reported that Johnson was arrested at his home after an investigation led to the discovery of 18 bodies as well as two pets – a dog and a cat – in various states of decomposition at the funeral home.

The GBI says the investigation is active and ongoing. Additional charges are pending.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Office at (912) 384-4227 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office at (912) 389-4103. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by phone at 1-(800) 597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app .

Once the investigation is complete, the file will be turned over to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

Previous reporting:

• Funeral home owner arrested after 18 decomposing bodies found during evacuation

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