Two Indiana residents have been arrested in connection with the recent thefts of bronze veterans markers from headstones around La Porte County.
Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25 were arrested Friday for the thefts, according to the La Porte County Sheriffs Office.
The investigation was announced on Aug. 28 and the agency publicly encouraged citizens to visit the gravesites of deceased veterans. Just one day later, credible information was provided to investigators identifying a suspect.
The investigation by Detectives Jake Koch and Detective Aaron Banic found that bronze markers were not only taken from headstones in the Union Mills and Rolling Prairie Cemeteries but also from headstones in the Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood and St. Stan’s Cemeteries. So far, 15 bronze veteran markers have been reported as being stolen and one more was reported as being damaged.
“This type of criminal behavior is disgusting, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated in La Porte County,” said Captain Derek J. Allen. “It is the hope of the entire Sheriff’s Office that because of the diligent and thorough investigation by Detectives Koch and Banic, justice will be served to both accused subjects. Hopefully, US veterans, both deceased and living, can find peace and comfort with these arrests, and with that, we salute them for their service.”
Law enforcement officers on Sept. 6 executed an operation dubbed, “Justice, Peace and Salute” at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte. Wood was taken into custody and additional evidence was recovered from the property. Later in the day, Puentez was taken into custody and charged in for her role in the theft ring.
Both suspects face several felony counts as well as charges of cemetery mischief.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.