Authorities are searching for three Indianapolis residents accused of taking part in a multi-state cemetery theft spree that allegedly targeted mausoleums and cremation niches across the eastern United States.
The suspects — identified as 32-year-old Porsche Bancroft, her 33-year-old boyfriend Drake Lee Milam, and Bancroft’s 52-year-old mother Angela Garrett — are wanted on arrest warrants in Florida. Investigators believe the trio may have stolen jewelry, family heirlooms and other valuables placed inside niches containing cremated remains.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida is leading the investigation and is working to identify potential victims. Detectives have already identified 20 cases in Florida and believe the number could increase as authorities investigate similar incidents in other states.
Suspects allegedly traveled across nine states
According to reports, the alleged cemetery thefts have been linked to at least nine states, including Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina and New York.
Investigators believe the suspects entered mausoleums and niches where families had placed cremated remains. In some cases, relatives had also left valuable personal belongings and family heirlooms alongside the remains of loved ones.
Authorities are concerned that some victims may not yet realize that their belongings have been stolen.
Jewelry and family heirlooms allegedly stolen
The investigation has focused on valuables kept inside cremation niches. According to authorities, some families leave meaningful jewelry and other personal possessions with the remains of their loved ones.
Authorities have also urged families to inspect their loved ones' resting places.
“Please check your loved one's resting place to make sure your prized heirlooms are safe,” the Orange County Sheriff's Office was quoted as saying.
More than $35,000 reportedly stolen in Florida
In Florida alone, authorities said more than $35,000 worth of property was stolen in the alleged cemetery thefts.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full extent of the alleged crime spree and identify additional victims. Authorities are also working to recover stolen property.
Florida authorities are seeking to extradite Bancroft, Milam and Garrett to face charges in the state.
The Central Florida Crimeline is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about the suspects or the alleged cemetery thefts can contact 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Authorities are asking families to remain alert and report suspicious activity at cemeteries. Those who have not checked a loved one's niche or mausoleum recently may want to verify that any personal belongings left there remain in place.
The investigation is continuing, and authorities say there could be more victims across the states where the suspects are believed to have operated.
