Marsh is also accused of crimes in Tennessee

Ray Brent Marsh, 28, now faces a total of 204 charges in Georgia of theft by deception for allegedly dumping the bodies in the grounds of the Tri-State Crematory rather than cremating them, as he was paid to do.

The criminal investigation has spread across state lines to Tennessee, from where at least 250 bodies were sent to the crematorium from 1998. Tri-State also held contracts with funeral homes in Alabama.

Mr Marsh has been held without bail since last month. His parents and sister also face charges relating to the scandal surrounding the business in Noble, north Georgia.

Authorities in nearby Bradley County, Tennessee, filed arrest warrants charging Mr Marsh with six counts of abuse of corpses.

A statement from the Sheriff's Office said Mr Marsh collected bodies from funeral homes in the county.

"The defendant did, upon arriving back at the site of the crematorium, mistreat and dispose of the bodies in violation of applicable state law," it said.

But at the request of Georgia investigators, Tennessee officials delayed asking for an indictment against Mr Marsh.

Families' demands

Relatives of people whose bodies were taken to the crematorium met state legislators in Atlanta to make suggestions on preventing similar incidents.

The mortal shell is the only tangible aspect of physical nearness that is left behind for the family to pursue

Relative Ginger Crawford-Dillard

Ginger Crawford-Dillard said she received a bag from Tri-State containing what she thought were her favourite uncle's remains.

She said she does not know what really is inside the bag.

"It is imperative that laws with the purpose of safeguarding the dignity of the body of the deceased are passed," Ms Crawford-Dillard said.

"We have to keep in mind that the mortal shell is the only tangible aspect of physical nearness that is left behind for the family to pursue."

Audrey Workman of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, said that once the state passes new restrictions, independent cremators should check remains to ensure standards are being met.

Of the 339 bodies recovered so far, only 109 have been identified.