Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, were arrested on Friday for a series of thefts reported last month in La Porte County, according to the sheriff’s office.
They face multiple charges, including theft and cemetery mischief.
Detective Jake Koch, a military veteran, led the investigation into the thefts from several cemeteries, including Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan’s, deputies said.
In total, 15 markers were stolen, and one was damaged.
On August 28th, the sheriff’s office announced the investigation, asking the public to check the gravesites of veterans in the area. The next day, a tip led investigators to a suspect.
An operation called “Justice, Peace, and Salute” was carried out early Friday at a home on Andrew Avenue in La Porte, where Wood was arrested.
More evidence was collected, and later that day, Puentez was also arrested.
Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash bond, while Puentez, who was already out on bond, is not eligible for release. Both face Level 5 and Level 6 felony charges.