Owens pleads guilty to damaging headstones

PORT HURON — Michael Owens II of Yale has pleaded guilty to damaging numerous headstones at Elmwood Cemetery in Brockway Township, just west of Yale. 

The cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Yale. 

In May, Yale Police received a report of several headstones being damaged, with brass and bronze military memorial plaques being stolen. The plaques were secured into the cement markers with concrete bolts and to remove them takes a lot of time and effort, according to police. 

Court records show the thefts took place between May 11 and June 27 this year.

Owens was arrested a short time after the thefts were reported and was arraigned July 2. He was lodged in the St. Clair County jail with a $50,000 bond. The documents also showed a preliminary examination was waived on July 21.

Owens faces three charges: Larceny of $20,000 or more, malicious destruction of property of $20,000 or more and stolen property received and concealed $20,000 or more. 

After entering a not guilty plea on Aug. 21, he eventually pleaded guilty on Sept. 28, according to court records.

At the plea hearing, a judgement of conviction was entered on Owens’ behalf and the action was referred to the Probation Department. As part of the agreement, the $50,000 bond was continued and no additional charges will be authorized.

A sentencing hearing is now scheduled for Nov. 2.