Three Indiana residents have been arrested after authorities accused them of carrying out a multistate cemetery theft operation targeting mausoleum niches and valuables left with cremated remains.
Investigators say the suspects allegedly traveled across the eastern half of the United States, breaking into cemetery niches and taking jewelry and other personal items that families had placed with their deceased loved ones. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida said it has identified 20 suspected cases in the state alone, while investigators believe there may be additional victims nationwide.
The suspects were identified as Drake Lee Milam, 33, Angela Christine Garrett, 52, and Porsche Roschell Bancroft, 32. Authorities say Milam and Garrett were arrested in Indiana, while Bancroft turned herself in at a Florida jail.
Police Warn Families After Cemetery Theft Investigation
Authorities are urging families to check the resting places of loved ones following the arrests.
Investigators say surveillance footage appears to show suspects entering mausoleums, opening glass-front niches and removing valuables before leaving the cemeteries. The alleged thefts involved items ranging from wedding rings and class rings to necklaces and other family heirlooms.
Florida investigators have identified reported losses totaling about $35,000 in Orange, Seminole and Hillsborough counties. Officials stressed, however, that the emotional value of the stolen possessions is more significant than their monetary worth.
The sheriff’s office is continuing to search for additional victims who may not yet realize that items were taken.
Suspects Allegedly Traveled Across Multiple States
Investigators say the alleged operation extended well beyond Florida.
Authorities have linked suspected cemetery break-ins to locations including Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina and New York. Investigators also identified alleged activity in Illinois and New Jersey.
The suspected targets were mausoleum niches containing cremated remains and personal mementos. Police say the suspects allegedly focused on valuables that families had intentionally left with deceased relatives.
Among the reported missing items were wedding rings, championship rings, gold chains and other jewelry with significant sentimental value.
Three Defendants Face Multiple Criminal Charges
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, all three defendants face several charges, including allegations involving damage to or removal of a tomb or monument, disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb, and grand theft exceeding $20,000.
Bancroft is scheduled to appear in court in September, with a trial currently scheduled for February. Authorities say Milam and Garrett are expected to be extradited to Florida to face the charges.
The allegations remain unresolved in court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Authorities Ask Public to Report Missing Memorial Items
Investigators believe the number of affected families could increase as the investigation continues.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking people who have relatives buried or interred at cemeteries to inspect their loved ones’ niches and determine whether memorial items remain in place.
Police are particularly interested in reports involving missing jewelry or other valuables placed alongside cremated remains.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as detectives work to identify additional victims and determine the full scope of the alleged multistate cemetery theft operation.
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