JAMESTOWN, Ky. (RR) ? A Russell County businessman has pleaded guilty to charges of wrongdoing involving numerous funeral trusts.

Reid Rippetoe, formerly associated with the Rippetoe Funeral Home in Russell Springs,  appeared in Russell Circuit Court Tuesday to plead guilty to 16 counts, including violating prearranged funeral contracts and theft.

Last week, Rippetoe?s attorney, Jeff Hoover of Jamestown, filed a notice in Russell Circuit Court that his client wanted to change an earlier ?not guilty? plea to ?guilty ... on all charges.?

At a hearing Tuesday before Russell Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard Jr., Hoover said Rippetoe was ?here to acknowledge his guilt.?

Speaking in a somber voice, Rippetoe addressed the judge?s questions with answers of ?yes, sir,? and ?no, sir.?

Hoover said he has been attempting to negotiate a plea agreement with the Russell County  commonwealth's attorney?s office, but was not successful at the time of the hearing.

?We?re still holding out hope we can reach an agreement,? Hoover said.

He said Rippetoe is currently ?gainfully employed,? and has been contributing $100 a month toward a fund for restitution.

?I know that?s not much," Hoover said, "but he?s trying.?

Hoover asked the judge to accept the guilty plea, then set a later sentencing date so an arrangement toward restitution can be established.

"We're working on a plan to come up with a 'lump sum,'" Hoover said.

Capps said that since Rippetoe pleaded guilty, he should be ?immediately incarcerated.?

She said at least nine victims attended the hearing in hopes of addressing the court.

?I think the victims are entitled to their day to make their statements,? she said.

Rogers said the case is ?one of the saddest I?ve ever seen.?

?There?s a lot of victims ... and a lot of tragic circumstances,? he said.

Rogers informed the court that one of the victims has passed away and several have health concerns.

Miniard accepted Rippetoe?s plea, but said he wants ?to know the plan? Rippetoe has toward restitution.

Hoover said he plans to file a proposal seven day prior to the sentencing, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005.

Rippetoe remains free on bond.