Authorities in Sarpy County, Nebraska, have arrested Michael Ashcraft, 46, in connection with the theft of bronze letters from the Omaha National Cemetery.
The Papillion Police Department first responded to a theft call in late October after most of the bronze and brass letters were stolen from the cemetery’s entrance sign.
Investigators traced the stolen letters to Scrap Central through transaction records, identifying Ashcraft as the individual who conducted the sales.
According to the arrest warrant, Ashcraft admitted to going to the cemetery with an individual he referred to as a “friend,” who showed him the letters and stated he planned to steal them. Ashcraft allegedly agreed to help sell the letters and split the proceeds. He did not provide any information about the alleged accomplice.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Ashcraft handling the items he sold, including large letter pieces that matched those stolen from Omaha National Cemetery.
Ashcraft is currently booked in Douglas County Jail on charges of burglary and theft. Authorities continue to investigate the case.
