Vivian - The number of victims continues climb in an investigation into prepaid funeral plans that were cashed in illegally by a local funeral home director, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and Shreveport Police Chief Henry Whitehorn.

William J. "Jimmy" McGuire, 61, of Vivian, was arrested this past week on four counts of felony theft for taking a total of $44,000 out of customers' pre-paid funeral accounts. But detectives with the Caddo-Shreveport Financial Crimes Task Force now say 38 victims have been confirmed with losses totaling $281,000. Other potential victims are still being interviewed.

McGuire moved money paid to him for the funeral plans from Citizen's Bank & Trust in Vivian to a Shreveport bank over three years ago. Customers with questions about their accounts should contact Detective Jason Persons at 681-0786.