Two people have been arrested in connection with a spree of bronze veteran marker thefts from headstones being stolen from cemeteries across Indiana, police said.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on Aug. 28 following a series of reports to authorities that bronze veteran markers were being stolen from grave headstones in the immediate vicinity of Union Mills and Rolling Prairie Cemeteries, but also from headstones in the Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood and St. Stan’s Cemeteries.
In total police found that at least 15 bronze veteran markers were reported as being stolen and one additional as being damaged.
“On August 28th, the agency publicly announced the investigation and encouraged citizens to visit the gravesites of deceased veterans,” the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on social media regarding the case. “Just one day later, credible information was provided to investigators identifying a suspect.”
Following their investigation, Detective Jake Koch and Detective Aaron Banic arrested 53-year-old Terry Wood and 25-year-old Breanna Puentez in connection with the thefts.
“Personnel from several divisions executed an operation dubbed, ‘Justice, Peace and Salute’ this morning at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte,” police said. “Wood was taken into custody and additional evidence was recovered from the property. Later in the day, Puentez was taken into custody and charged in Circuit Court for her role in the theft ring.”
Two people have been arrested in connection with a spree of bronze veteran marker thefts from headstones being stolen from cemeteries across Indiana, police said.
Facebook / La Porte County Sheriff’s Office
Wood and Puentez currently remain in police custody and have been charged with one count of felony theft and 15 felony counts each of cemetery mischief, police confirmed.
Wood is now being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond and Puentez is not eligible for bond, authorities added.
“This type of criminal behavior is disgusting, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in La Porte County! It is the hope of the entire Sheriff’s Office that because of the diligent and thorough investigation by Detectives Koch and Banic, justice will be served to both accused subjects,” said Captain Derek J. Allen. “Hopefully, US Veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests, and with that, we salute them for their service.”
The investigation into the thefts is currently ongoing and a court date has not yet been announced for the accused individuals.
In a shocking and disgraceful crime, suspects have been arrested for the theft of bronze veteran burial markers from headstones in a cemetery. The theft of these markers not only dishonors the memory of the veterans who served our country, but also causes immense pain and distress to their families and loved ones.
The theft of bronze veteran burial markers is a particularly heinous crime, as these markers serve as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces. These markers are meant to honor the memory of the veterans and provide a sense of closure and remembrance for their families. To steal these markers is to rob these families of their ability to properly mourn and remember their loved ones.
The suspects involved in this crime have shown a complete lack of respect for the sacrifices made by our veterans and the families who have lost their loved ones. It is a despicable act that cannot be justified in any way. The theft of these markers not only violates the sanctity of the cemetery, but also undermines the values of honor, respect, and gratitude that we owe to those who have served our country.
Fortunately, law enforcement authorities have taken swift action in apprehending the suspects responsible for this crime. The perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their despicable behavior. It is important that justice is served and that those responsible for this crime are punished to the fullest extent of the law.
In the wake of this disturbing incident, it is important for communities to come together to support the families affected by this crime and to ensure that proper measures are put in place to prevent such acts from happening again in the future. It is crucial that we all work together to protect and honor the memory of our veterans and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
In conclusion, the theft of bronze veteran burial markers from headstones in a cemetery is a reprehensible crime that must be condemned in the strongest terms. We must all stand together in support of our veterans and their families, and work towards creating a society where such acts of disrespect and dishonor are never tolerated. Justice must be served, and those responsible for this crime must be held accountable for their actions.
