Chief of Police Timothy O’Grady releases list of gravesites
Michael T. Baldwin Reports
More than three months after a man was accused of vandalizing 13 military headstones at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville, all but one has had the bronze markers replaced. Cemetery officials worked closely with the Wellsville Police Department, Allegany County Veteran’s Service Agency, Allegany County Assistant District Attorney Peter Degnan as well as several service organizations.
The thefts were first noticed June 14th. Five weeks later, an arrest was made.
Village police charged 42-year-old Eric T. Logue of Wellsville with Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance 5th, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell 5th, thirteen (13) counts of Cemetery Desecration 1st, Grand Larceny 4th and Criminal Mischief 4th. Additionally, Logue was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. Police executed a search warrant at Logue’s residence at 20 Clark Street after obtaining witness statements, evidence and video surveillance. Logue was arraigned in Village Court and released on his own recognizance pending electronic home monitoring through the Allegany County Department of Probation. As for the last plaque, officials say it too will be replaced in the near future.
A Before & After:
The case generated a reward of several thousand dollars. Authorities said, however, the funds will not be distributed due to confidential reasons.
Wellsville Chief of Police Tim O’Grady released the names of the gravesites which were disrespected:
Richard Brunell
Chester Kensek
Edward Curtis
Donald Aiken
Theodore Jedinak
Merle Shay
William Hennessy
John Hennessy
Dennis Shea
Howard Englebaugh
Robert Healey
Patrick Hennessy
Richard Deschler
