Aiken, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Cody Anderson, owner of a funeral home in Aiken, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in estate fraud involving a $20 million estate. The case centered on a fraudulent will of Mary Margaret Wenzel Crandall, who was diagnosed with dementia. Anderson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The court reinstated an earlier will after finding evidence of his misconduct.
Aiken, South Carolina – Cody Anderson, the owner of a local funeral home, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in estate fraud connected to a will that named him as the personal representative of a deceased woman’s sizable estate. The sentencing took place on September 15, 2025, at the Matthew J. Perry Jr. Federal Courthouse.
Anderson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this year on February 3, 2025. The case revolved around the estate of Mary Margaret Wenzel Crandall, which is valued at approximately $20 million. In his role as personal representative, Anderson stood to gain around $1 million from Crandall’s estate.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews recommended a harsher sentence of 30 months for Anderson, citing the severity of his actions. Although approximately 20 supporters were present at the hearing, including attorney John Harte who spoke on Anderson’s behalf, the judge ultimately handed down the two-year prison sentence.
Anderson acknowledged his wrongdoing in court, stating that he takes full responsibility for his actions, which included the fraudulent activities surrounding Crandall’s will. The indictment followed a lengthy investigation that began when Crandall’s accountant, Wanda Scott, and her lawyer, Ray Massey, filed a lawsuit against Anderson, alleging elder abuse and contesting the validity of the will.
Crandall, who was diagnosed with dementia, passed away on January 5, 2022. Not long after her death, Anderson attempted to access her estate’s assets. The allegations against him suggested that he had directed Thomas Allen Bateman, his co-conspirator, to drive Crandall to the George Funeral Home during a period of her declining mental health, where she signed a will that benefited both Anderson and Bateman.
The will was meant to name Anderson as Crandall’s personal representative, while leaving the remainder of her estate to Bateman. However, witnesses were reportedly unaware of the nature of the document they were signing, casting further doubt on its legitimacy.
In March 2025, Bateman was also sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He cooperated with federal investigators, which ultimately led to a superseding indictment against both men in July 2024. The federal charges were prompted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s office investigation into the claim of elder abuse.
Anderson and Bateman faced substantial consequences for their actions, which included the potential for up to 30 years in prison and hefty fines. In addition to criminal penalties, Anderson lost his funeral service license, and the property he marketed, known as the Constantine House, was sold.
The will contest surrounding Crandall’s estate moved from probate court to state court, where Judge Courtney Clyburn Pope invalidated the contested new will, reinstating a previous will from 2001 as the legitimate document governing the estate. The defamation lawsuit filed by Anderson against Scott and Massey was ultimately dismissed.
This incident underscores the importance of legal and ethical standards in estate management, particularly concerning vulnerable individuals such as those diagnosed with dementia and other mental health issues.
FAQ Section
What was Cody Anderson sentenced for?
Cody Anderson was sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank fraud related to an attempt to probate a fraudulent will of Mary Margaret Wenzel Crandall.
How long was Anderson’s prison sentence?
Anderson was sentenced to two years in prison.
What was the value of Mary Crandall’s estate?
Mary Crandall’s estate was valued at approximately $20 million.
What role did Thomas Bateman play in the case?
Thomas Bateman was a co-conspirator who assisted Anderson and was also sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement.
What happened to the will contested by Anderson?
The contested will was invalidated by the court, and a previous will from 2001 was reinstated.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Cody Anderson |
| Charge | Conspiracy to commit bank fraud |
| Prison Sentence | Two years |
| Estate Value | $20 million |
| Co-conspirator | Thomas Allen Bateman |
| Final Court Decision | Previous will from 2001 reinstated |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cody Anderson Conviction
- Wikipedia: Estate Fraud
- WRDW: Aiken County Coroners Office Incident
- Google Search: Mary Margaret Wenzel Crandall
- Shellhouse Rivers Funeral Home: Cecil Atchley Jr.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bank Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
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