Indiana couple allegedly stole bronze veterans’ gravestones

Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, are both charged with theft and cemetery desecration for allegedly stealing at least 15 bronze headstones from veterans' graves and damaging another in cemeteries in northwest Indiana. Photo by La Porte County Sheriff's Office

An investigation titled “Justice, Peace and Salut” led to the arrest of Terry L. Wood, 53, and Breanna C. Puentez, 25, both accused of theft and cemetery desecration.

On August 29, investigators received information that helped identify one of the suspects.

Police arrested Wood on Sunday morning and Puentez later that day.

“On August 28, the agency publicly announced the investigation and urged citizens to visit the graves of deceased veterans,” the La Porte County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on social media. “Just one day later, investigators were provided with credible information to identify a suspect.”

Detectives arrested Wood at a residence in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte and seized evidence of the alleged crime.

They arrested Puentez for her alleged involvement in the thefts.

Wood is held on bail of $15,005, while Puentez is not eligible for bail.

“This type of criminal behavior is abhorrent, unacceptable and will not be tolerated in La Porte County,” said Captain Derek Allen.

Allen expressed hope that justice will be done and that “US veterans, both living and deceased, can find peace and comfort through these arrests.”

In addition to four La Porte County law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also participated in the investigation.