Two people were recently arrested in connection with recent thefts of bronze veteran markers from headstones in La Porte County.
A series of bronze veteran marker thefts were reported to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office last month. Detective Jake Koch, a veteran himself, was assigned as the lead investigator. The agency publicly announced the investigation August 28 and encouraged citizens to visit the gravesites of deceased veterans. Just one day later, credible information was provided to investigators identifying a suspect.
The investigation revealed 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. Fifteen bronze veteran markers have been reported as being stolen and one additional as being damaged.
Investigation findings were prepared and presented to the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and later to the La Porte County Circuit Court where probable cause was found for the arrest of 53-year-old Terry L. Wood. Wood was taken into custody and additional evidence was recovered from the property. Later in the day, 25-year-old Breanna Puentez was taken into custody and charged in Circuit Court for her role in the theft ring.
The pair were charged with theft and cemetery mischief.
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division, La Porte County Warrants Division, La Porte County Drug Task Force, Fugitive Apprehension Street Team and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
