Two people have been detained in connection with the theft of bronze veteran markers from headstones at cemeteries around Indiana, according to police.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on Aug. 28 after receiving reports that bronze veteran markers were being stolen from grave headstones near Union Mills and Rolling Prairie Cemeteries, as well as headstones in Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan’s Cemeteries. In total, authorities discovered at least 15 bronze veteran markers that had been reported stolen, with one 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 wrote in a social media post on the case. “Just one day later, investigators were provided credible information identifying a suspect.”
Following their investigation, Detective Jake Koch and Detective Aaron Banic arrested Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, concerning 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 tweeted. “Wood was arrested, and additional evidence was discovered on the site.
Later that day, Puentez was arrested and prosecuted in Circuit Court for her involvement in the thievery ring. Wood and Puentez are currently in police custody and have been charged with one case of felony theft and 15 counts of criminal cemetery mischief, according to police.
According to officials, wood is currently being detained on a cash-only bond of $15,005, while Puentez is ineligible for bond. “This type of criminal behavior is disgusting and unacceptable and will not be tolerated in La Porte County!” The entire Sheriff’s Office hopes that the rigorous and thorough investigation by Detectives Koch and Banic will result in justice for 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 theft investigation is still underway, and no court date has been set for the accused.
