BEAR, Del. (WPVI) — Delaware State Police say several people paid thousands of dollars to a burial-vault company, but never received their purchase.
Authorities are now investigating Sartin Memorials, also known as Absolute Granite Liquidator, based in Bear, Delaware.
They believe more victims could be out there.
“I don’t know how anybody can pull something like this on people,” said Dorothy Smith of Elkton, Maryland. “I never ever dreamed that it would come to something like this. Never.”
Smith says she paid $3,261 upfront and in full for her late husband’s headstone in November 2024.
Eight months later, she says she is still waiting, with no response from anyone at Sartin Memorials.
“They have a phone number for you to call if nobody’s there, and my granddaughter called it. Well, she called like 15 different numbers and never got a hold of anybody ever,” said Smith.
Delaware State Police believe Smith is one of many victims.
“Detectives discovered there are several victims that have likely experienced the same issue of having signed this contract, paid for these headstones, which have not been completed,” said Cpl. Amina Ali, a spokesperson for Delaware State Police.
According to authorities, troopers responded on July 4, 2025, to a report of suspected fraud at Sartin Memorials, located at 4376 Kirkwood Saint Georges Road in Bear.
The complaint centered on a contract for a headstone that was reportedly paid in full and scheduled for installation by March 2025, but had not been completed as of June.
Investigators say the victims made numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact the business.
They believe the total of unfulfilled transactions is around $14,500, and some cases date back to 2023.
“While we are also seeking additional victims, we want them to get their money back so they can properly lay their loved ones to rest,” says Cpl. Ali.
When Action News’ Sharifa Jackson attempted to speak to someone at Sartin, an employee refused to open the door and closed all the business windows.
Cpl. Ali says they are still attempting to speak to the individual who issued the unfulfilled contracts.
Detectives are asking anyone who has further information regarding this case, or who may be a victim, to contact Detective J. Klink by calling 302-365-8435. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
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