Information leading to the recovery of stolen plaques and arrest of the thieves could pay $10,800
By Andrew Harris
The American Legion Morrison Haye Post 702 in Wellsville has led the community effort to solve the mystery of thirteen veteran gravesites that were defaced early this week.
Thieves, very likely more than one, entered the Sacred Heart Memorial Cemetery on South Main Street and removed the military service plaques from 13 gravestones. The bronze plaques provide the name, branch of service, conflicts served, birthdate, and death date. They weigh about 18 pounds and currently bronze is going for $2.60/lb at the scrapyard, where many believe the plaques wound up. About $600 is what these plaques could bring at the scrapyard.
Now, after the Legion lead effort to solve the crime, just a little information leading to the plaques and the thieves could net you $10,800 in reward money. Can you help? Afraid to come forward? Contact us through this site(click here) and we can help you get the information to the police investigating the crime. The best outcome would be the recovery of the plaques, arrest of the thieves, and no reward payments are necessary.
Here is the press release from Legion Commander Brent Roberts with and update and the names of all those willing to pay for justice:
Wellsville Elks Club, BPOE 1495, has voted to match the reward posted buy the Wellsville American Legion in an effort to find the culprits who denigrated over a dozen veteran gravesites in Wellsville this week. Vandals removed the veteran’s plaque from tombstones in a deed that has left families upset, sickened and irritated to say the least.
If you or your organization have interest in pledging, please contact Morrison Hayes Post 702 Wellsville American Legion at 585-593-5345. Once we determine what any financial responsibilities will be and we will reach out to those that have pledged.
Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion $2,000
Wellsville Elks Club, BPOE 1495 $2,000
Chris Martelle and Family $2,000
Wellsville Moose Lodge $1000
Adam Cyr $1,000
Butch Cozzi $100
Rod Nye $100
Nate and Vickie Scott $100
Ancient Order of Hibernians $500
Unit 702 American Legion Auxiliary $667
Post 702 SAL $667
Post 702 American Legion Riders $667
Total $10,800.00
Hart’s Memorial as well as Onley/Faust Funeral Home both offered to assist in reinstalling the plaques when acquired, free of charge
