Bronze Grave Markers Stolen from Indiana Veteran Burial Sites; Two Suspects Charged

Two individuals, Terry Wood and Breanna Puentez, have been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of multiple bronze veteran markers from various cemeteries in La Porte County, Indiana.

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office has taken into custody two individuals, Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, in connection with a series of thefts of bronze veteran markers from headstones in six different cemeteries throughout La Porte County.

The investigation was initiated after reports of at least 15 grave markers being stolen and another being damaged. Detective Jake Koch, a veteran himself, spearheaded the investigation, which identified Puentez as a suspect.

Bronze Grave Markers Stolen from Indiana Veteran Burial Sites; Two Suspects Charged

Evidence gathered by investigators implicating both Wood and Puentez was presented to the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and subsequently to the La Porte County Circuit Court, resulting in probable cause for Wood's arrest.

The "Justice, Peace, and Salute" operation was launched on Friday, culminating in Wood's arrest at a residence on Andrew Avenue in La Porte, where additional evidence was collected. Puentez was apprehended later that day and charged in connection with the thefts.

Bronze Grave Markers Stolen from Indiana Veteran Burial Sites; Two Suspects Charged

The investigation revealed that the grave markers were taken from cemeteries in Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan's. The motive behind the thefts remains unclear.

Capt. Derek J. Allen of the La Porte County Sheriff's Office expressed outrage at the crimes and commended detectives Koch and Banic for their diligent investigation. He expressed hope that the arrests will bring solace to both deceased and living veterans.

Bronze Grave Markers Stolen from Indiana Veteran Burial Sites; Two Suspects Charged

Both suspects have been booked into the La Porte County Jail. Wood is being held on a $15,005 cash-only bond, while Puentez is not eligible for bond due to violating bond conditions from a previous case.

The Indiana State Police and the La Porte County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the case, seeking to determine if additional individuals or groups are involved. The stolen grave markers are yet to be recovered.

Bronze Grave Markers Stolen from Indiana Veteran Burial Sites; Two Suspects Charged

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office urges the public to report any suspicious activity at cemeteries or other memorial sites. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the La Porte County Sheriff's Office at (219) 326-7700.