Authorities have arrested three individuals accused of a multi-state spree of cemetery thefts, allegedly stealing over $20,000 in valuables from cremation niches. Drake Milam, 33, and Angela Garrett, 52, his girlfriend's mother, face multiple felony charges. Milam's girlfriend, Porsche Bancroft, 32, is also charged with conspiracy.
Milam and Garrett are accused of targeting sites in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Iowa, New York, and New Jersey. In Florida alone, police believe the suspects are connected to at least 20 incidents, including thefts in Orange, Seminole, and Hillsborough Counties, and the City of Winter Park. The total value of items stolen in Florida is estimated to exceed $35,000.
Surveillance footage from Woodlawn Funeral Home in March 2026 reportedly shows a man believed to be Milam using a tool to access niches and steal items, including jewelry worth an estimated $25,000. The following month, Milam allegedly entered Queen of Angels Cemetery in Winter Park wearing a mask, with Garrett reportedly acting as a lookout. They are accused of opening six niches and stealing items valued at over $10,500. On the same day, Milam allegedly stole $2,000 worth of jewelry from another niche in Winter Park.
Victims reported missing wedding rings, a class ring, a work anniversary ring, and even two championship rings belonging to a former University of Central Florida football coach. "Having a loved one’s final resting place disturbed and cherished family heirlooms taken is deeply painful," a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail.
Evidence gathered by authorities includes a rental car allegedly used by the trio to travel across Florida. The car was repossessed near Bancroft's home in late May. Bancroft allegedly rented the vehicle from Indianapolis International Airport. In April, an Indiana State Trooper stopped Garrett during a traffic stop and identified her from a bulletin related to surveillance footage from the Queen of Angels Cemetery. Garrett was reportedly wearing the same shirt seen in the footage. Garrett's fingerprints were also allegedly found at a funeral home in Brandon, Florida, where $800 in jewelry was stolen in May. Milam's fingerprints were later identified at the Queen of Angels cemetery.
Milan and Garrett were arrested and booked into the Seminole County Jail on August 31. Bancroft surrendered to the jail on August 17 and was released on bond the following day. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Milan faces six felony charges, including conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property and grand theft over $20,000, and is being held without bond. Garrett also faces six felonies, including similar conspiracy and theft charges, and is being held on a $65,000 bond. Both are scheduled to appear in court on October 23. Bancroft is charged with conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property and conspiracy to commit dealing grand theft, with a court date set for September 22.
Authorities encourage anyone with loved ones resting in cemeteries to check their resting places to ensure any cherished items are still present.