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Jackson: Cemetery investigation should expand

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-13 10:06

ALSIP, Illinois: Civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson has called for an expanded investigation into a suburban Chicago cemetery where four former employees are accused of digging up and dumping bodies in a scheme to resell plots.

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Jackson said Sunday that all cemeteries run by the company that owns Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip should be investigated.

No one answered the phone at Arizona-based Perpetua Inc., owner of Burr Oak, and the voicemail box was full.

But authorities say the company is cooperating with investigators. And the investigation started after Perpetua reported alleged financial wrongdoing to authorities.

Jackson was in Alsip on Sunday for a memorial service for people whose family members are buried at the historic black cemetery.