(La Porte, IN) - La Porte County Police have arrested two people for the thefts of bronze grave markers many of which belonged to deceased veterans.
Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, are charged with Level 5 felony theft and Level 6 felony criminal mischief.
Originally, the recent thefts were reported at cemeteries in Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.
Stolen bronze name plates later turned up as stolen at Carmel Cemetery near Westville, Pinola Cemetery along with Greenwood and St. Stanislaus cemeteries in Michigan City.
On August 28, the sheriff’s went public with the thefts and began developing leads on tips from citizens that began coming in the following day.
Wood was taken into custody this morning at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Ave. in La Porte. Puentez was arrested later in the day at an undisclosed location.
So far, police said 15 bronze grave markers of veterans have been reported stolen along with one that was damaged.
Police did not reveal if any of them were recovered but they say "additional evidence" was recovered at the home where Wood was taken into custody.
“Hopefully, U.S. veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests. We salute them for their service,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen.
