Two people have been charged in Indiana following a series of thefts of bronze veterans memorials from headstones at various veterans cemeteries in the state.
Suspects Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentes, 25, were taken into custody Friday after reports of at least 15 grave markers being stolen and one more damaged from six cemeteries in LaPorte County last month, the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
The two suspects are charged with multiple felony counts of theft and cemetery vandalism.
The sheriff's office announced its investigation into the stolen headstones on Aug. 28, urging residents to visit the graves of fallen veterans. The next day, the department said investigators had received a credible tip that identified a suspect.
Ex-Indiana sheriff pleads guilty to squandering funds on travel, gifts, cars
Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentes, 25, are charged with felony theft and grave destruction. (LaPorte County Sheriff's Office)
Detective Jake Koch, a military veteran, led the investigation, which revealed the headstones were stolen from Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood and St. Stan's cemeteries.
Investigators presented evidence to the LaPorte County Prosecutor's Office, which then filed it in LaPorte County Circuit Court, which found probable cause for Wood's arrest.
Operation “Justice, Peace, Salute” was conducted Friday in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte, where Wood was arrested and additional evidence was collected.
An investigation determined the headstones were taken from Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood and St. Stan's cemeteries. (iStock)
Puentes was taken into custody later that day and charged in connection with the theft incident.
“Criminal behavior like this is abhorrent and unacceptable and will not be tolerated in LaPorte County! The entire Sheriff's Office hopes that Detectives Koch and Bannick's diligent and thorough investigation will bring justice to these two suspects. We hope that our veterans, both lost and surviving, can find peace and comfort with these arrests and we salute their service,” Capt. Derek J. Allen said in a statement.
Police arrest illegal immigrant who stabbed girl at Indiana baseball game
Both suspects were booked into the LaPorte County Jail. (iStock)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Both suspects were booked into the LaPorte County Jail.
Wood is being held on $15,005 cash-only bail, but Puentes is ineligible to post bail because he was out on bail.
