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Two Arrested After Veterans’ Memorial Plaques Stolen From Hancock County Cemeteries
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Two men are facing charges after Hancock County investigators say they stole bronze memorial plaques honoring military veterans from three different cemeteries.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office says it began investigating after a report came in Saturday that plaques were missing from graves at Rotten Bayou, Bayou Coco, and Standard cemeteries. Deputies with the Criminal Investigation Division worked the case for several days before identifying two suspects.
Steve Berry, 59, and Ronald Verdon, 59, were arrested Tuesday night. Berry is charged with three counts of grand larceny, while Verdon faces two counts of receiving stolen property. Both men are being held at the Hancock County Adult Detention Center awaiting their first court appearances.
Investigators say the stolen plaques were recovered, but not before they had been broken apart and ground down, apparently in an attempt to sell them for scrap metal. Because of the damage, it is unclear whether the original plaques can be restored or whether families will need replacements.
The plaques are being held as evidence while the investigation continues.
In announcing the arrests, the sheriff’s office said crimes involving the theft of veterans’ memorials and cemetery property are treated with particular seriousness, noting that the plaques represent the service and sacrifice of veterans and hold deep meaning for their families and the community.
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