Connecticut DPH board revokes embalmer Philip Pietrus's license after finding missing preneed funds

The Connecticut Department of Public Health hearing board on June 12, 2025 revoked the embalmer's license of Philip Pietrus (license no. 2545) after the department presented evidence that checks for preplanned funeral arrangements were not placed into escrow accounts as required.

In opening and closing statements, Department attorneys told the board that exhibit records and witness testimony show multiple instances in which payments intended for Access Financial Group escrow accounts either did not appear in Access’s records or were for smaller amounts than deposited checks indicated. "There was nothing on record ever. So it looked as if, no accounts were ever created," said Melissa Milen Miles, a funeral director and then-president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, describing what Access reported when the association sought account records.

The department also introduced testimony from petitioners who said they paid for preneed funeral contracts that were never shown in escrow records. "I have not heard anything from him since before that November email," Charlene Dean told the board regarding her repeated requests for contract and accounting paperwork after her husband’s funeral. A witness from Network Incorporated, Karen Tripoli, described an audit that found discrepancies across eight resident accounts and presented a spreadsheet comparing amounts Network contributed with the amounts Access reported; she said checks presented in the record showed deposit confirmations but did not match the accounts on Access’s listings.

Why it matters: Preneed (escrow) accounts are intended to protect consumers by holding funds for future funeral services. The department argued the missing or unrecorded accounts left families and vulnerable residents exposed to financial loss and requested disciplinary remedies under state law.

What the board found and did - The board received and admitted department and board exhibits (records of notices, tracking, client records, emails and accounting statements) into the record. - With the respondent absent and after the department moved to deem the allegations admitted under the regulations cited, the board found by a preponderance of the evidence that for each listed client (clients 1–10 as identified in the statement of charges) Pietrus received and deposited checks between 2017 and 2024 that were not placed into escrow as claimed in the charges. - After fact-finding and a public discussion of remedies under Connecticut General Statutes, the board voted to revoke Philip Pietrus’s embalmer license, number 2545. The board recorded ayes for Darryl McClam, William Moriarty and Daniel Gerry on the final roll call on the revocation motion.

Evidence and legal references presented - The department entered client records, scanned checks with deposit confirmations, accounting statements from Access Financial Group and email correspondence as exhibits. Attorney Julian Cataya for the Department of Public Health summarized the department’s position and requested revocation and maximum civil penalties under the statutory provisions cited in the record. The department relied on the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (cited in the hearing as §19a-9-20) and provisions the department referenced as Connecticut General Statutes 19a-10, 19a-14 and 19a-17 (remedies), and additional statutory citations read into the record during fact finding.

Board discussion and disposition Board members debated whether to revoke the license immediately or continue suspension pending other investigations. Some members argued that continuing suspension could preserve the board’s ability to act on additional allegations that might arise; others said revocation was appropriate to protect consumers and set a regulatory precedent. The motion to revoke was made and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote.

Next steps and context The hearing record shows the department intends to continue related investigations. Several witnesses said criminal and law-enforcement complaints had been filed in parallel. The board’s action at this hearing addressed the license at issue; department staff indicated additional cases and inquiries remain open.

Quotes (selected) "The Department respectfully request that the Board discipline Mr. Piedras by ordering the maximum civil penalty permitted under Connecticut General statute 19 A-seventeen, as well as revoke his embalmer's license number 2545," Attorney Julian Cataya for the Department of Public Health said in closing argument.

"There was nothing on record ever. So it looked as if, no accounts were ever created," Melissa Milen Miles, funeral director and president of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, testified about Access Financial Group's records.

"I have not heard anything from him since before that November email," petitioner Charlene Dean testified about communication with the respondent.

Ending The Board of the Connecticut Department of Public Health entered formal findings for the charges presented, accepted department exhibits into evidence and revoked the embalmer license of Philip Pietrus (no. 2545). The department and several witnesses indicated additional investigations and potential further charges remain outstanding.