Nationwide — Unique Green, an African American funeral director from Houston, Texas, who was accused of stealing a dead man’s $2 million estate, has been released from jail after posting an $800,000 bond. He faces multiple felony charges, including allegations that he falsely claimed to be the man’s spouse.
Green, who is also identified as Michael in court records, was released shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, according to Click 2 Houston. The bonding company that processed his release did not disclose who provided the money for the bond.
Authorities had been investigating Green for months before Houston Police and the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office searched A Community Funeral Home during a funeral service late last year.
The investigation started after the family of Lawrence Gammon said they hired Green to arrange funeral services, but never received the services they paid for. The family later contacted investigators after they believed Green may have used their personal information to carry out a scam.
Investigators said Green later filed documents in probate court claiming he was Gammon’s spouse and the rightful owner of his estate. Attorneys for Gammon’s family alleged that Green submitted a fake will that transferred control of the more than $2 million estate to him.
Gammon’s family said they did not know Green before Gammon’s death and were unaware of any connection between the two. Green’s attorney said he continues to claim he has rights to the estate, but did not provide details about their alleged relationship.
Green also faces accusations that he submitted fraudulent documents to the Texas Funeral Service Commission while applying for a funeral director and embalmer license. Prosecutors allege he falsely claimed military service and later operated A Community Funeral Home without a valid license.