Georgia Couple Jailed in Camden County Over Pet Cremation Scam
CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia couple accused of running a fraudulent pet cremation business in Kingsland has been extradited and booked into the Camden County Jail this week.
Authorities identified the suspects as Amanda and Nader Rayan, both charged with 40 counts of abandonment of dead animals and one count of dumping egregious litter.
Details of the Alleged Scam
The pair operated Compassionate Care Pet Cremation, where grieving families paid hundreds of dollars believing their pets would be sent to a licensed crematorium in Jacksonville.
Instead, investigators say the Rayans stored animal remains in garbage bags in freezers and sheds. Customers were allegedly given ashes from a burn pit behind the business rather than genuine cremations.
Arrests and Investigation
The couple was arrested in New Orleans in August before being extradited to Georgia. Police in Kingsland spent two days digging behind the cremation facility, recovering black bags filled with animal remains.
Property owner Stephen Kuzniar, a licensed cremationist and Amanda Rayan’s ex-husband, said the couple was never employed by him. He expressed outrage over the case, stating the alleged actions were “deeply disturbing” and did not reflect the standards of the cremation business.
Bond and Next Steps
Amanda and Nader Rayan are both being held on $100,000 bond. Police say more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
The case has shocked local residents and devastated pet owners who believed they were paying for respectful handling of their animals’ remains.
Do you think Georgia should impose stricter oversight on private pet cremation businesses to prevent scams like this? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
