MONSTER MORTICIAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS: THAT'S THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON

The motive was greed.

A judge sentenced John Hallford, former owner of the Return to Nature mortuary in Penrose, to 40 years in state prison for hiding nearly decaying 200 bodies and delivering fake ashes to families.

Hallford and his former wife spent funds on luxury - including laser body sculpting. 

The judge called Hallford's action "unspeakable and incomprehensible." His ex faces a lengthy prison sentence as well.

Hallford told the court: "My mistakes will echo for a generation."

Separately, a federal court had already sentenced Hallford to 20 years in prison for swindling nearly $900,000 from a government pandemic program for small businesses.