CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. — A couple who ran a pet cremation business in Kingsland, Georgia, are in Camden County Jail after they were extradited this week.

Amanda and Nader Rayan were apprehended in New Orleans in August, with authorities preparing to transfer them to Georgia. They face charges including 40 counts of abandonment of deceased animals and one count of severe littering.

As per Kingsland Police Department records, the couple allegedly took payments from clients for pet cremations but did not fulfill their promises. Instead of transporting the pets to an authorized crematorium in Jacksonville, the animals were reportedly kept in garbage bags within freezers and sheds. The report also indicates that the Rayans supplied customers with ashes gathered from a burn pit located behind the establishment.

Following their arrests, police spent two days digging behind the business, Compassionate Care Pet Cremation, digging up black bags.

The report reveals that customers paid hundreds of dollars for what they believed were genuine cremations.

The property owner, Stephen Kuzniar, is noted in the report as a licensed cremationist. He claims that the Rayans were never officially employed by him. He also mentions that Amanda Rayan is his former wife, who remained at the Kingsland site to create and sell memorial boxes.

Kuzniar’s full written statement in response to this case can be found below: 

“I was recently informed of an issue involving our Kingsland, Ga., location. The reports have deeply unsettled me, and I take them very seriously. I wish to offer my most sincere apologies to those affected by this incident. Such actions do not represent the principles and expected conduct of our company. I have no tolerance for behavior that harms, disrespects, or diminishes the dignity of any family we serve. Upon discovering this issue, we immediately initiated an internal investigation. We are working closely with the Kingsland police department and have promptly taken the necessary actions to address this. Additionally, we are reviewing our internal policies and procedures to understand the cause and prevent any future occurrences.”

The couple are both being held on $100,000 bond.