HAMPTON, Iowa — A 31-year-old woman, Rachel Card, has been arrested in connection with a series of cemetery memorial thefts in Franklin County. Card is one of four suspects accused of stealing 80 bronze markers from gravestones, including many from veterans’ graves. The suspects are accused of removing the names and lettering from the plaques and selling them as scrap metal.
Franklin County Sheriff Aaron Dodd confirmed Card’s arrest on Tuesday night. The sheriff’s office has already arrested three of the four individuals involved in the thefts, and arrest warrants have been issued for the fourth suspect, though they have not yet been apprehended.
“This is a pretty disgusting crime,” Sheriff Dodd said. “We can’t even believe it. It’s just really unfortunate.” The sheriff’s office assured the community that this was an isolated incident, and they are confident that these four individuals are responsible for the thefts.
In response to the crime, local veteran’s affairs officials are working to replace the stolen plaques. As the legal process continues, authorities will seek restitution for the families of the victims from the criminals involved in the thefts.
