An Indiana cemetery employee was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly digging up a grave site to steal a gold ring from a burial urn.
On the evening of May 12, an individual on the property of the Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Fishers reportedly went to a gravesite containing a burial urn with a gold ring inside. According to reports, it was believed the man dug up the vessel and stole the ring. At the same time, a patrolling officer from the Fishers Police Department noticed a parked car in the area and stopped to check it out.
When they looked inside, the officer reported that the car was unoccupied and spotted a shotgun, in addition to what appeared to be drug paraphernalia. While the police tried to find out who the vehicle was registered to, a 24-year-old man approached them and said it was his. He identified himself as someone who worked at Oak Lawn, and it was noted that there was dirt all over him. The man allegedly informed the officers about the gold ring, and they saw the gravesite and confirmed that it appeared as if the dirt had been disturbed.
It was reported that the suspect did not have the ring on him, but he told the police he stashed it behind a dumpster. He also allegedly said he planned to sell it to a pawn shop.
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Hamilton County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of felony theft over $750 and under $50,000, cemetery mischief, criminal trespass, and disturbing ground for artifacts from a grave. According to reports, he was granted pretrial release without posting bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.