Tri-state Crematory operator undergoes knee surgery

FORT OGLETHORPE - The operator of a northwest Georgia crematory where authorities found 339 discarded bodies earlier this year has undergone knee surgery. <br> <br> The operator of the Tri-State Crematory in Noble, 29-year-old Ray Brent Marsh, had asked Walker County authorities to allow him to have surgery earlier this year, but his request was denied. <br> <br> Marsh&#39;s attorney, Ken Poston, said the surgery will repair the anterior cruciate ligament and the miniscal collateral ligament, which he injured more than a year ago playing basketball. Poston said he is expected to leave the hospital Thursday after undergoing the surgery Wednesday. <br> <br> Marsh is charged with 334 counts of theft by deception after accepting payment for cremation of bodies and not performing the service. He also is charged with 64 counts of abuse of a corpse. <br> <br> Marsh was released on bond in September and is under house arrest at his parents&#39; home. He was given special permission to leave the house to have the surgery.