Kentucky Man Accused Of Stealing Bronze Veteran Grave Markers

Authorities in Kentucky say an arrest has been made after dozens of bronze grave markers for military veterans were stolen from multiple cemeteries.

The Hopkinsville Police Department on Wednesday announced that Robert Lafon was taken into custody on Aug. 27 after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest in connection with the thefts.

As of Aug. 21, the City of Hopkinsville said 27 veteran grave markers were known to have been stolen from Cave Springs Cemetery and Riverside Cemetery.

“These markers are more than bronze pieces,” city officials said at the time. “They represent the service, sacrifice, and memory of veterans who served our country, and their theft is deeply troubling to the families affected and to our entire community.”

Investigators ultimately located “pieces” of the grave markers at local salvage yard, which is how they identified Lafon as a suspect.

Lafon was booked into the Christian County Detention Center felony counts of criminal mischief in the first degree, receiving stolen property of $10,000 or more, and violating graves. His bond was set at $20,000.

City officials said “cameras and enhanced surveillance” would be installed at local cemeteries.

“The city also asks residents to remain watchful around our cemeteries and report anything that appears suspicious,” officials said. “Community awareness can play an important role in protecting these sacred spaces and helping prevent additional thefts.”