Jennifer Burnham, Mid-America Publishing
Local law enforcement has arrested two residents in connection to the missing grave and historical site markers in the area.
The plaques were bronze and some were for veterans. A press release was distributed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Friday evening after the arrests were made earlier in the day.
Brandon Smith, 44, of Hampton, was arrested and charged with theft in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree and theft in the fourth degree. Lauren Johnson, 34, of Dumont, was also arrested and is facing a charge of theft in the first degree.
Two other suspects have been identified, with charges pending, as noted in the press release. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant and arrest for Smith, with help from the Hampton Police Department. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office executed the search and arrest for Johnson, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
The press release stated that the arrests were made after an extensive investigation into the disappearance of grave markers and historical site markers reported missing over the last month. The markers were taken from multiple rural and city cemeteries across Franklin County, with additional reports of missing markers in Butler and Cerro Gordo counties.
The plaque on the large rock in Memorial Park in Hampton was one of the targeted locations, along with Harlan Cemetery in Dumont, Maynes Grove Cemetery, and Beeds Lake Cemetery.
“It’s just such a violation for us and all who are dealing with these thefts,” said Kathy Hotchkiss. The bronze military plaque was stolen from her father’s gravestone at Beeds Lake cemetery. His name was Howard Muhlenbruch.
