Three individuals from Indiana have been arrested in connection with a series of alleged tomb-raiding thefts targeting cemetery mausoleum niches across the eastern United States. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida announced the arrests of Drake Lee Milam, 33, Angela Garrett, 52, and Porsche Roschell Bancroft, 32, who are accused of traveling to cemeteries to steal valuables interred with cremated remains.
Authorities stated that the trio is believed to have committed these crimes across numerous states, including Florida, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. In Florida alone, 20 cases have been identified, but law enforcement officials suspect there may be more victims who have not yet realized their loved ones' burial sites have been disturbed. The sheriff's office urged the public to check cemetery niches where their loved ones are interred.
Milam and Garrett were arrested in Indiana, while Bancroft surrendered to authorities in Seminole County, Florida. All three face multiple charges, including injuring or removing a tomb or monument, disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb, and grand theft over $20,000. Milam and Garrett are awaiting extradition to Florida.
Surveillance footage from various mausoleums appears to show the suspects breaking into glass-front niches. The stolen items are described as having significant sentimental and monetary value, including wedding rings, anniversary gifts, class rings, and championship rings. One victim reported the theft of a gold anchor necklace that her late husband had specifically wished to be buried with. The total value of items reported stolen in Florida's Orange, Seminole, and Hillsborough counties is estimated at $35,000, though authorities emphasize the emotional distress caused to families is the primary concern.
Law enforcement is continuing to investigate and identify potential additional victims. The sheriff's office has asked anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim to contact Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.