Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of thefts involving bronze veteran markers from headstones across Indiana, authorities reported.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on August 28 after receiving multiple reports of stolen bronze veteran markers from grave sites at Union Mills and Rolling Prairie Cemeteries. Other thefts were also reported from Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan’s Cemeteries.
In total, at least 15 bronze veteran markers were confirmed stolen, with one additional marker damaged.
“On August 28th, we publicly announced the investigation and urged citizens to check the gravesites of deceased veterans,” the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office stated on social media. “The following day, investigators received credible information identifying a suspect.”
Detectives Jake Koch and Aaron Banic led the investigation, which resulted in the arrest of 53-year-old Terry Wood and 25-year-old Breanna Puentez in connection with the thefts.
“Personnel from several divisions executed an operation dubbed ‘Justice, Peace and Salute’ at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte,” police reported. “Wood was taken into custody, and additional evidence was recovered from the property. Puentez was arrested later in the day and charged for her involvement in the theft ring.”
Both Wood and Puentez remain in custody and face one count of felony theft along with 15 felony counts each of cemetery mischief.
Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash bond, while Puentez is being held without bond, authorities confirmed.
“This type of criminal behavior is appalling and unacceptable in La Porte County,” said Captain Derek J. Allen. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by Detectives Koch and Banic, we hope justice will be served. We salute the service of our veterans, both deceased and living, and hope these arrests bring some measure of peace.”
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The investigation remains ongoing, and a court date for the suspects has yet to be set.
