Aiken, South Carolina, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Cody Anderson, owner of George Funeral Home in Aiken, SC, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for attempting to defraud an 88-year-old woman with dementia out of her $20 million estate. Together with co-defendant Thomas Allen Bateman, they secured a will that directed the estate to Bateman, while Anderson stood to gain $1 million. The case reveals severe legal implications for both defendants and highlights the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Aiken, South Carolina – Cody Anderson, the owner of George Funeral Home, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for attempting to defraud an 88-year-old woman suffering from dementia out of her estimated $20 million estate. Together with his co-defendant, Thomas Allen Bateman, who received an identical sentence earlier this year, Anderson was also ordered by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. to serve three years of supervised release following their incarceration.

The charges against Anderson and Bateman stem from their involvement in securing a will that unjustly directed the woman’s substantial estate to Bateman, with Anderson positioned to receive $1 million as her personal representative. Prosecutors have established that the elderly victim did not possess the mental capacity required to validly execute the will.

The intricate details of the case reveal that Bateman allegedly transported the victim to the funeral home, where she signed the will in his vehicle—an act witnessed by three employees from the funeral home. Prior to this unfortunate incident, the elderly woman had intended for her assets to be distributed among friends and charitable organizations, a plan that was disregarded due to the fraudulent activities of Anderson and Bateman.

Significantly, Anderson developed a relationship with the victim while she was residing at the Shadow Oaks assisted living community. The case gained attention due to the serious implications of exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly in the context of their estate planning. The investigation, which was carried out by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, further revealed that both Anderson and Bateman are facing similar allegations involving other wills filed by elderly individuals.

Legal Ramifications and Future Prosecutions

In a related legal matter, Cody Anderson has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with the same case. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, along with a potential fine of up to $1 million. As of now, sentencing for this conspiracy charge has yet to take place, leaving open the possibility of additional penalties for Anderson.

Impact on George Funeral Home

The implications of Anderson’s legal troubles have extended beyond his personal sentencing. The South Carolina Board of Funeral Service denied a request for an ownership transition at George Funeral Home from Cody Anderson to his mother, Teri Lee Young, in August 2024. Following Anderson’s legal complications, his funeral director/embalmer license was temporarily suspended in March 2024. Young had proposed to take over the operations as part of a restructuring plan, a move now uncertain due to the denied approval by regulatory authorities.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigations

The case highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, from fraud and exploitation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Winston Holliday played instrumental roles in prosecuting the case, underscoring the importance of vigilance in curbing financial crimes against seniors.

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Additional Resources

• The Augusta Press: Aiken Funeral Home Owner Sentenced in Will Scheme
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Post and Courier: Cody Anderson Conviction in Mail Fraud Scheme
• Google Search: Cody Anderson fraud
• The State: Crime News Article on Cody Anderson
• Google Scholar: Cody Anderson fraud
• The Augusta Press: Funeral Home Owner to be Sentenced in Will Conspiracy Case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
• Post and Courier: George Funeral Home and Cody Anderson

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.