Trio suspected of stealing from cemeteries across US

A Florida sheriff said a reward of up to $5,000 is available for information leading to an arrest as authorities work to track down a trio accused of stealing from cemeteries across the U.S.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspects — Drake Milam, 33; his girlfriend Porsche Bancroft, 32; and her mother Angela Garrett, 52 — are believed to have traveled the country targeting cemeteries, “where they break into niches containing cremated remains, and steal the family heirlooms that people lay to rest with their loved ones,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.

Authorities said the trio is thought to be from Indianapolis but could be anywhere along the East Coast.

“Imagine losing your wife or husband and placing their wedding ring, and yours, in the niche – only to have them stolen by thieves looking for an easy payday,” the post states. “This will not stand. Not in Florida. Statewide, there are 20 cases – but detectives believe there could be many more. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is taking the case to ensure these abhorrent criminals are held to account.”

Officials are encouraging people who have not recently visited the gravesites of their late loved ones to check for any signs of disturbance and to contact law enforcement if they notice anything unusual.