Doc in crematory case released from jail

A former Massachusetts medical examiner accused of taking part in a New Hampshire crematory scam started serving a six-month sentence — then was released by the end of the day, after his lawyer intervened.

Putnam Breed, 71, began serving his sentence Tuesday on two theft charges tied to the former Bayview Crematorium of Seabrook. He was accused of fraudulently signing cremation certificates.

The Eagle Tribune reports before day's end, Breed was released from jail after his lawyer successfully petitioned the state Supreme Court with an emergency motion. It sought a stay of a judge's order last week that Breed start serving the time.

Last month, the state court overturned nine counts of fraudulent signings,saying that cremation certificates aren't recordable writings by statute. All that remained was two theft counts, which Breed asked the court to reconsider.

Information from: Eagle Tribune, http://www.eagletribune.com