Four Mississippi cemeteries that were taken over by authorities because of allegations the owner misused customers' prepaid burial money will be sold at public auctions, according to the secretary of state's office.

Prentiss Memorial Gardens in Baldwyn, Liberty Memorial Park in Booneville, Pinecrest Memorial Park in Calhoun City and Sunset Gardens Memorial Park in Laurel are being sold under an order from Prentiss County Chancery Judge John Hatcher.

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says his goal has been to place the cemeteries back into private ownership. He says the judge's order will allow that.