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Two Are Arrested, Charged In Stolen Grave Marker Case





Bronze markers similar to this one, which designates the grave of a World War I soldier, were stolen from two Wauseon-area cemeteries recently. About 100 markers valued at $2,500 were stolen from Wauseon Union cemetery.– photo courtesy Wauseon Police Department

Bronze markers similar to this one, which designates the grave of a World War I soldier, were stolen from two Wauseon-area cemeteries recently. About 100 markers valued at $2,500 were stolen from Wauseon Union cemetery.– photo courtesy Wauseon Police Department

A man and a woman are being held in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio in connection with the theft of grave markers, stolen from the Wauseon Union Cemetery.

The bronze markers are designed to hold a small American flag, and designate the graves of war veterans. They are placed by veterans groups.

A cemetery official told Wauseon police officers about 100 of the markers were stolen from the cemetery prior to Thursday, Aug. 2.

Sixteen similar markers were stolen from the Zion United Methodist Church cemetery, located on Co. Rd. 11 between Co. Rds. D and E. That theft was reported to Fulton County Sheriff deputies.

Arrested

Darrell Merillat, Fulton County sheriff, announced Friday, Aug. 17, that Jamie Spiess, 24, and William Delaney, 39, both of rural Swanton, were arrested and charged with possession of stolen property in connection with the Union Cemetery case.

A sheriff department spokesman said representatives of a scrap metal yard reported receiving suspi- cious material. Investigation proved the metal was grave markers, cut into small pieces.

 

 

The evidence resulted in the arrests.

Records indicate warrants for the arrest of the pair were issued Friday, Aug. 10.

The two were booked into CCNO, Thursday, Aug. 16.

Both appeared in Western District Court by video Monday, Aug. 20.

Bond for Spiess was set at $25,000, 10% allowable. Delaney’s bond is $25,000 cash.

As of late Monday night, both were still being held at CCNO.

Other Charges

In a press release, Merillat said the investigation continues, and other charges are possible.


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