Grand Jury to hear cemetery vandalism case
(Archived article @ Newsbank)
Brian Smith ~ The Richmond Register ~ 5/21/2010
RICHMOND - Two men charged with violating graves in connection with a vandalism spree at the Richmond Cemetery that caused more than $40,000 in damage waived preliminary hearings Wednesday in Madison District Court.
Joseph Dewayne Combs, 25, of Altamont Street, and William Damien Gross, 19, of Keri Ann Drive, both appeared before Madison District Judge Charles Hardin on Wednesday.
The men are accused of participating in the destruction of approximately 150 grave markers and headstones at the cemetery some time on the evening of April 2 or the morning of April 3, Richmond police said.
A third person, 20-year-old Sara Elizabeth Smart of Waco, is scheduled to appear in Madison District Court on Wednesday on the same charges in connection with the incident.
Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock said Thursday that Smart was arrested in Jackson County on unrelated charges last week.
Brock said the Jackson County authorities did not realize Smart was being sought in connection to the cemetery incident until after she was arrested.
Some of the damaged headstones dated back to before the Civil War. A few of the stones shattered after being knocked over, while others were chipped or cracked, cemetery officials said.
An empty whiskey bottle was found in the cemetery the day after the incident, Brock said, and police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.
Combs was arrested May 7 after an interview with investigators at police headquarters, Brock said, and Gross was taken into custody May 10.
Each man faces a single count of violating graves, a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted, and a misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespass charge.
The charges will now go before a grand jury for possible indictment.
Hardin did grant a motion to amend Gross’ bond from a $2,500 full cash bond to 10 percent of a $10,000 bond. If Gross posts the $1,000 to gain his release, he will be required to remain in contact with court officials as part of a monitored release program.
Combs’ bond remains set at $2,500 cash.
Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. For breaking news, follow Brian at www.twitter.com/RR_BSmith.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2 Charged, 3rd Sought in April Vandalism of Richmond Cemetery
Two men charged in cemetery vandalism - Third suspect sought by Richmond police
(Archived article @ Newsbank)
Bill Robinson ~ The Richmond Register ~ 5/12/2010
RICHMOND — Richmond Police have made two arrests and are seeking a third suspect in connection with vandalism that occurred April 2-3 at the Richmond Cemetery.
About 150 monuments and grave markers, dating from the 1850s to the early 20th century, were overturned. Many suffered damage, with some being chipped, cracked or fragmented. A few crumbled when they fell to the ground. Total damage was estimated at more than $40,000, according to Thomas J. Smith III, cemetery board chair.
Joseph Dewayne Combs, 25, of Altamont Street was arrested Friday, and William Damien Gross, 19, of Keri Ann Drive was arrested Monday, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
They have been charged with violating graves, a Class-D felony, and second-degree criminal trespass, a Class-A misdemeanor. Both are lodged in the Madison County Detention Center, where they remained Tuesday, each on a $2,500 cash bond. A hold order from circuit court could prevent Combs’ release, even if he can post bond, a detention center officer said.
Police also are seeking Sara Elizabeth Smart, 20, of Waco and have a warrant for her arrest.
Late last week, investigators “developed information indicating that three persons were responsible for the damage,” Brock said.
Combs was arrested on Friday after an interview at police headquarters, the chief said. A warrant was obtained for Gross, and he was arrested Monday.
If convicted, the suspects could face one to five years in prison on the felony charge and up to a year in jail on the misdemeanor charge.
After the incident, the cemetery board announced a $1,000 reward leading to the conviction of the perpetrators. Brock said information provided by a confidential informant helped lead to the arrests, but was unsure if anyone was interested in the reward.
Some or all of the suspects had been drinking prior to the incident, the chief said, and a whisky bottle found in the cemetery the next day may link to the offense.
Smith said the cemetery board appreciates the “hard work that our police put into this investigation that has resulted in two arrests.” The board will be happy to pay the reward if an informant’s information leads to a conviction in the case, he said.
Eastern Kentucky University has completed repairs of the cemetery’s back fence that borders its property. Estimates also have been obtained for putting a new, higher fence along the cemetery’s west side off Baker Court, Smith said.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
(A Lex18 news station article on this piece includes video of the damage and suspects.)
(Archived article @ Newsbank)
Bill Robinson ~ The Richmond Register ~ 5/12/2010
RICHMOND — Richmond Police have made two arrests and are seeking a third suspect in connection with vandalism that occurred April 2-3 at the Richmond Cemetery.
About 150 monuments and grave markers, dating from the 1850s to the early 20th century, were overturned. Many suffered damage, with some being chipped, cracked or fragmented. A few crumbled when they fell to the ground. Total damage was estimated at more than $40,000, according to Thomas J. Smith III, cemetery board chair.
Joseph Dewayne Combs, 25, of Altamont Street was arrested Friday, and William Damien Gross, 19, of Keri Ann Drive was arrested Monday, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
They have been charged with violating graves, a Class-D felony, and second-degree criminal trespass, a Class-A misdemeanor. Both are lodged in the Madison County Detention Center, where they remained Tuesday, each on a $2,500 cash bond. A hold order from circuit court could prevent Combs’ release, even if he can post bond, a detention center officer said.
Police also are seeking Sara Elizabeth Smart, 20, of Waco and have a warrant for her arrest.
Late last week, investigators “developed information indicating that three persons were responsible for the damage,” Brock said.
Combs was arrested on Friday after an interview at police headquarters, the chief said. A warrant was obtained for Gross, and he was arrested Monday.
If convicted, the suspects could face one to five years in prison on the felony charge and up to a year in jail on the misdemeanor charge.
After the incident, the cemetery board announced a $1,000 reward leading to the conviction of the perpetrators. Brock said information provided by a confidential informant helped lead to the arrests, but was unsure if anyone was interested in the reward.
Some or all of the suspects had been drinking prior to the incident, the chief said, and a whisky bottle found in the cemetery the next day may link to the offense.
Smith said the cemetery board appreciates the “hard work that our police put into this investigation that has resulted in two arrests.” The board will be happy to pay the reward if an informant’s information leads to a conviction in the case, he said.
Eastern Kentucky University has completed repairs of the cemetery’s back fence that borders its property. Estimates also have been obtained for putting a new, higher fence along the cemetery’s west side off Baker Court, Smith said.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
(A Lex18 news station article on this piece includes video of the damage and suspects.)
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