PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A funeral home that owned a nearby garage where three decomposing bodies were discovered was operating without a state license since 2012.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/1EnHXvc) that state officials couldn't explain why Powell Mortuary Services was permitted to operate after that.

Neighbors around the corner from the funeral home discovered the bodies Tuesday when they investigated a foul odor emanating from the garage.

In May, state inspectors cited Powell Mortuary Services for operating with an expired license and director Janet Powell Dailey for working with an expired funeral director's license.

Dailey's license has since been renewed.

Dailey and the funeral business have had significant financial troubles, including being sued numerous times by the IRS, the state and the city. Dailey declined comment.