Police Bust Illegal Cremation Spot Linked to South Side Chapel

Chicago police moved in on Friday and busted a cremation shop called Planet Green Cremations in Glenwood. The raid came after authorities had already uncovered 56 decaying bodies in August, many left in terrible shape.

The shop is run by Clark and Johanna Morgan, who also manage South Chicago Chapel. State records show they kept operating even after lawsuits piled up, a crematorium was closed, and Clark was caught faking his funeral director license. The state comptroller’s office says the place operated like an unregulated storefront.

Detectives from Calumet are leading the criminal probe. A lawyer for the Morgans didn’t answer right away, but Johanna’s attorney showed up for a telephonic hearing where the judge set dates for paperwork and possible settlement talks. If no deal is reached, the case will go to a full hearing.

Earlier this week a judge let the city step back into the funeral home building for another look, after a suit claimed the space was built without any permits. The judge also issued a temporary order that stops the property from being used or rented, even though the Morgans said it sits empty.