Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cemetery Vandalism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City manager says perpetual care fund intact as arrest follows cemetery vandalism
Summary
City Manager Little told the cemetery board an individual pleaded guilty to vandalism at Martin Hill Cemetery and restitution will be set; the city increased patrols, used volunteer-supplied cameras to gather evidence, and said the $100,000 perpetual care fund is intact.
City Manager Little told the cemetery board that investigators have arrested a man connected to damage at Martin Hill Cemetery and that a court will set restitution for the harm.
"He did plead guilty, and court is going to set restitution for him to have to pay for some of the damage that he did," Little said during the meeting. Little said the individual did not plead guilty to damage at Crystal Springs Cemetery but that investigators believe he may be involved there as well and that the investigation is ongoing.
The manager described stepped-up security measures: volunteers and local residents supplied trail and wireless cameras that captured images of perpetrators, and the city has increased police and township patrols around several cemetery properties. "We've stepped up police patrols in the cemeteries," Little said, adding that township officers agreed to boost patrols around Crystal Springs because of its surrounding jurisdiction.
The board heard that some trail cameras were stolen after perpetrators removed mausoleum doors, but that other cameras still produced useful photos and helped identify suspects. A presenter for Friends of Crystal Springs told the board four mausoleums were attacked and that community members provided cameras that aided the investigation.
Little also addressed questions about cemetery finances raised by members and outside inquiries. He said state police contacted him about reports of missing money related to a perpetual care fund and that he will meet with a sergeant to review records. "There is no money missing. That money is there," Little said, and he committed to providing the board with copies of the documents he has shared with investigators.
Board members pressed for ongoing communication about police reports and investigation status. Little said some investigative details remain confidential because other people are involved, but he agreed to share report numbers or summaries with the board when appropriate.
The discussion closed with a reminder that the vandalism and theft reflect a wider local issue: Little said the city has seen similar damage in parks and other public spaces, and that catching and publicizing arrests is a deterrent. The board signaled support for continuing camera deployment and closer coordination with law enforcement.
The meeting adjourned at 1:42 p.m.
