Yale man arrested in connection with alleged theft of veteran markers

YALE — Authorities continue to work on a case of allegedly stolen grave markers from headstones of military veterans in the Elmwood Cemetery in Yale. 

Yale police have been working the case for the past two months, after receiving a call from residents who noticed the vandalism; a Yale man was quickly identified as a person of interest.

After executing a search warrant, Police Chief Chief William Black said, “we were able to recover evidence in the case related to the cemetery situation.” 

As of late last week, 28 veteran markers had allegedly been pried off or bent from gravesites from throughout the sprawling cemetery. Investigators believe the markers, made of bronze and copper, were allegedly taken to a scrap yard possibly with the intent to have the material sold melted down for cash.

Veterans and their family members were angry and upset, when learning of the alleged vandalism. 

One vet, who wished to remain anonymous said: “I just don’t understand. Why do that? These people served their country for all of us, to have a better life and the freedoms we enjoy.” 

Police arrested 35-year-old Mike Owens Jr., who was arrested and booked into the St. Clair County Jail on June 30, according to jail records. 

Owens has been charged with two felonies, including malicious destruction of property $20,000 or more. 

Owens was arraigned on July 2. 

“Nearly every officer in the department was involved in this case, one way or another, and it was great police work by everyone,” Black said of his staff in the department.

Owens is facing further court dates and could be facing prison time for the felony charges, if found guilty.