Getty Images/ Philippe TURPIN
Stanley Henderson, once known for his role as a funeral director, is now at the center of serious legal troubles. What began as concerns over his professional conduct has escalated into multiple felony charges, raising questions and shock within the community. Authorities continue to investigate as new details emerge around the case.
Stanley Henderson, the former funeral director of Stan Henderson & Sons Mortuary, first drew public attention after a Valdosta couple alleged he gave them dirt instead of the ashes of their baby, Josiah. Their grief turned into a legal battle when Atlanta attorneys, Isaac Lezcano and Matt Wetherington, uncovered that Henderson was still operating without a valid licensedespite being shut down in two different towns for similar misconduct. “This is somebody whos been run out of two different towns for running the same scam both times,” Lezcano told Channel 2 Action News. Additionally, Lezcano, eventually confirmed that an investigation revealed the couple was actually given the ashes of a complete stranger.
Furthermore, things took a much darker turn recently when Henderson was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including possession of child pornography and sex trafficking. According to reports, the arrest happened after police in Adel, Georgia, received tips from those same Atlanta lawyers. When Channel 2 Action News tried to reach Henderson at his Stockbridge location, the building was empty. And, repeated calls and emails to him went unanswered.
Now, Henderson is reportedly being held at Cook County Jail after a judge denied his bond.The young couple eventually received their childs ashes and, while they werent available for comment, their attorneys shared that theyre relieved Henderson is now off the streets and in custody.
Matt Wetherington, an attorney representing the couple, shared gratitude for the outcome. He also alluded to seeing progress in the case and acknowledged how authorities took the family’s claims seriously. He said:
“Im incredibly thankful to the reporting that WSB did,” Wetherington revealed. Im thankful for all the agencies that investigated this, and Im just thankful for people that listened to this family who said that they had this problem.
Meanwhile, back in January, Stanley’s lawyer, Jonathan M. Broderick, managing partner at Broderick Law Group, issued a statement regarding the investigation. His statement included:
“…Mr. Henderson is confident that as more facts come to light his integrity, and character will be exonerated from the attempts of the couples attorneys to assassinate his character in the media with baseless lies and allegations. They have gone from accusing him of putting dirt in an urn (which was never confirmed) to apparently now admitting that the urn had someone elses remains. This slight fact alone speaks volumes to intent. There is no justification for placing dirt in an urn while the remains being for the wrong person gives itself to a mistake…”
