Two individuals from Indiana were apprehended for suspected theft of bronze markers from veterans' headstones.
Breanna Puentez, 25, and Terry Wood, 53, have been charged with felony theft and cemetery mischief.
In Indiana, two individuals are being accused of stealing bronze veteran markers from headstones at various burial sites for veterans.
In a news release, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office stated that Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, were arrested on Friday for stealing at least 15 grave markers from six different cemeteries in the county last month, as well as damaging another one.
Both suspects are facing several felony counts of theft and cemetery mischief.
On Aug. 29, the sheriff's office announced that investigators had identified a suspect in the stolen grave markers case, and urged residents to visit the grave sites of deceased veterans.
The investigation, led by veteran detective Jake Koch, uncovered that grave markers were stolen from cemeteries in Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan's.
The La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the La Porte County Circuit Court found probable cause for Wood's arrest after investigators presented evidence.
On Friday, the "Justice, Peace, and Salute" operation was carried out in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte, resulting in the arrest of Wood and the collection of additional evidence.
Later that day, Puentez was arrested and accused of the thefts.
Capt. Derek J. Allen stated that the criminal behavior in question is repulsive, unjustifiable, and will not be tolerated in La Porte County. The Sheriff's Office hopes that justice will be served to the accused individuals due to the thorough investigation by Detectives Koch and Banic. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office hopes that US veterans, both living and deceased, can find peace and comfort with these arrests. In conclusion, the Sheriff's Office salutes the service of US veterans.
Both suspects were booked into the La Porte County Jail.
Puentez is not eligible for bond because she was out on bond, while Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond.
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