NATCHEZ — In the midst of a foreclosure and criminal charges from two state agencies, local businessman Theodore “Bubber” West has stepped down from his position as president and CEO of West Enterprises.

West’s attorney Hal Dockins said the decision was made official Wednesday.

West, who deferred all comments to his attorney, said in a resignation letter, his decision was vital for the success of West Enterprises.

“Though I make this decision reluctantly and with some personal regret, my health issues, family matters and business setbacks make my resignation at this time vital for the future success of West Enterprises,” West said in the letter.

Now West’s brother and new West Enterprises President, Henry West, and Dockins are focused on restructuring the company.

On Monday West was in an Adams County Justice Court after an arrest the previous week.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office leveled three counts of conversion against him.

Also investigating West is the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office who said West’s pre-need funeral trust account is under funded by $95,000.

A representative with the attorney general’s office said if West is found guilty on conversion charges he would likely be responsible for repaying those funds.

In April and again in May, Mark Seepe, a Jackson funeral director, pled guilty to several conversion charges, and is currently serving 10 years in prison with another five years of post-release supervision.

In that five-year period Seepe must make restitution on more than $10,000 in converted pre-need funds.

Since West’s arrest, Dockins’ office has been overwhelmed with calls from customers with pre-need account at the funeral home.

“Understandably, they have concerns and a lot of questions,” Dockins said.

But Dockins said those concerns are unfounded.

“I have assured everyone we can honor their policy,” Dockins said. “No one has reason to be concerned. (All policies) will be honored. And to the best of my knowledge no one has been denied any services.”

Dockins said by Aug. 1 he hopes to have a hotline established so that any policyholders with concerns can call in with questions.

“We want to be able to answer all their questions,” he said.

And while Dockins is representing West on his criminal charges, he’s also rallying the family and potential investors to save West Funeral Home and other parcels of land from foreclosure.

Dockins said he hopes to have enough funding raised by July 22 to purchase the land from Apex Mortgage, which foreclosed on the property in May.

“It think we’ll have enough money to make them a substantial offer,” Dockins said.

Attorney John Underwood represents Apex and said he received notice from Dockins Friday, notifying him of the West family’s intent to purchase the land and funeral home from the mortgage company.

“They want to completely satisfy that debt,” Underwood said of the $275,000 mortgage. “We should know more next week.”