Emmetsburg Funeral Director Faces Felony Charges

Emmetsburg, Iowa — A northwest Iowa funeral director faces multiple felony charges following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

According to the Iowa Insurance Bureau, 46-year-old Andrew Joyce, of Emmetsburg is charged with one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct (Class B Felony), one count of Theft 1st Degree (Class C Felony), one count of Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and one count of Failure to Trust Preneed Funeral Services (Class D Felony).

The charges against Joyce stem from an investigation which began in 2019. According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, Joyce, while acting as an Iowa funeral director licensed to sell preneed funeral insurance policies, failed to comply with the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 523A. Insurance Division officials say a Cease and Desist order was issued against Joyce by the Iowa Insurance Division in October of 2019.

On December 29th, 2020 Joyce was charged and posted bond with a promise to appear in court at a later date.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

Photo courtesy of the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office

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