What crime is committed when someone intentionally uses funds from a funeral trust for unauthorized purposes?

When someone intentionally uses funds from a funeral trust for unauthorized purposes, this act constitutes a higher-level crime due to the nature of the offense. Specifically, using these funds improperly implies a breach of trust and an intention to defraud, which is taken very seriously under Indiana law.

A Level 5 felony indicates that the crime involves significant harm or potential harm to individuals, especially victims who rely on the integrity of funeral trusts for their end-of-life arrangements. Such misuse of funds can undermine the financial security of families preparing for funeral expenses, making this offense much more severe than lesser classifications like an infraction or a misdemeanor. A Level 1 felony would represent an even more egregious action, generally reserved for more severe offenses involving personal harm or large-scale financial fraud. However, the act of misusing funeral trust funds specifically aligns with the definition and nature of a Level 5 felony, emphasizing the need for proper handling and ethical management of these sensitive funds.