Catonsville Man Pleads Guilty to Pet Cremation Scam

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A Catonsville man named Rodney Ward pleaded guilty in court to felony theft and malicious destruction of property charges after an investigation found his pet cremation business was a scam. Prosecutors say Ward's unlicensed crematory took in nearly $13,000 from customers but sent home bags of sand, gravel, baking soda, and fertilizer instead of the ashes of their beloved pets. When authorities searched Ward's property, they found over three dozen decomposing animal remains.

Why it matters

This case highlights the need for tighter regulation and oversight of the pet cremation industry to prevent similar abuses from slipping through the cracks. It has prompted local crematory operators and animal rescue groups to step in and help affected families properly cremate their pets' remains.

The details

Rodney Ward admitted in court that his pet cremation business was not what grieving families thought they were paying for. Prosecutors say Ward ran an unlicensed crematory that sent home sand, concrete, gravel, baking soda, and fertilizer instead of animals' ashes. Authorities found over three dozen decomposing animal remains on Ward's property, as well as additional remains that had been dumped along roadsides.

• On February 17, 2026, Rodney Ward pleaded guilty in Baltimore County court.
• The investigation into Ward's business began last spring after customers complained they received non-animal materials instead of their pets' ashes.

What’s next

Rodney Ward's wife, Yalanda, remains charged in the case, and her trial has been postponed until May 6. Prosecutors expect the remaining case to move quickly as victims continue to seek answers and potential restitution.