A man and a woman have been arrested and charged with stealing bronze grave markers from veteran headstones in Indiana, a reprehensible act that has drawn outrage from the community.
Two individuals, Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, have been apprehended and face felony theft and cemetery mischief charges in connection with the brazen theft and damage of veteran grave markers across La Porte County, Indiana. The heinous act, which targeted the resting places of those who served their country, has left the community in shock and anger.
The La Porte County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the missing markers on August 28, after reports of their disappearance from six different cemeteries. Detective Jake Koch, himself a veteran, meticulously pieced together the evidence, identifying a suspect and presenting the case to the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Two Charged with Stealing Bronze Grave Markers from Indiana Veteran Headstones
On Friday, September 9, a concerted operation dubbed "Justice, Peace, and Salute" led to the arrest of Wood at an address in La Porte. Puentez was also taken into custody later that day.
The investigation unveiled a disturbing pattern, with stolen markers discovered in cemeteries located in Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan's. The evidence gathered by Detective Koch and his team provided ample probable cause for the arrests.
Two Charged with Stealing Bronze Grave Markers from Indiana Veteran Headstones
Captain Derek J. Allen of the La Porte County Sheriff's Office expressed outrage at the suspects' actions, stating that such criminal behavior is "disgusting, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated." He emphasized the hope that justice would prevail and provide solace to the veterans and their families who have been affected by this callous disregard for their memory.
Both Wood and Puentez have been booked into the La Porte County Jail. Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond, while Puentez is not eligible for bond due to her being out on bond for a previous offense.
Two Charged with Stealing Bronze Grave Markers from Indiana Veteran Headstones
The community has rallied around the families of the deceased veterans, offering their condolences and support during this difficult time. The arrests have brought some measure of relief, but the pain and anger caused by the desecration of these sacred burial sites will linger long after the suspects have been punished.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting the memory of those who have served their country and the need to protect their final resting places from the horrors of vandalism and theft. It is a deeply disturbing crime that tarnishes the fabric of our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Two Charged with Stealing Bronze Grave Markers from Indiana Veteran Headstones
