Thieves Target Cemeteries Across Metro Area

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Four men have been indicted in Jefferson County, accused of robbing gravesites across the metro area.

Michael Gonser, Donald Tebeau, Jason Seader and Juan Gallegos were indicted Friday by a grand jury. Investigators say they stole hundreds of brass vases and brass sprinkler tops from four cemeteries in Jefferson County, costing them tens of thousands of dollars.

The vases can cost a few hundred dollars but there's also the sentimental value. Police said the suspects would sell them as scrap metal.

"It's theft and it's something they take very personal. It's one of their final gifts, memorialization, that they have for their family members," Kevin Wolfe with Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery said.

Many of the families will never see their vases again. A number of cemeteries were hit, costing them more than $125,000.

"It's great news to know the sheriff's department has worked hard and that they've apprehended some of these individuals," Wolfe said.

Tebeau was arrested on Tuesday. Arrest warrants have been issued for the other three men.

Wolfe said because cemeteries are so large and open to the public, it's hard to patrol them.