Cemetery Thefts Uncovered
Florida Authorities Seek Three Suspects in Multi-State Cemetery Heirloom Thefts
Police in Orange County, Florida, are hunting three suspected "tomb raiders" who stole precious heirlooms from cemeteries across at least nine states, according to WSOC TV. The suspects — Drake Lee Milam, his girlfriend Porsche Bancroft, and her mother Angela Garrett — are accused of breaking into cemetery niches and taking personal items like jewelry left by grieving families.
There are at least 20 confirmed cases in Florida alone, WPXI reported. All three suspects are believed to live in Indianapolis and face warrants for extradition back to Florida.
How the Suspects Targeted Grieving Families Nationwide
The trio is accused of traveling across the country to steal from cemetery niches — small compartments inside mausoleums where families place personal belongings alongside their loved ones' remains. Items stolen included jewelry and other sentimental heirlooms, Action News Jax reported. The scheme stretched across at least nine states, making it a wide-ranging criminal operation.
Florida has been hit the hardest, with at least 20 known victims, according to Boston 25 News. Investigators believe the suspects chose cemeteries because the stolen items often hold more emotional than monetary value — making them easy targets that go unreported for long periods of time.
Three Suspects Identified, Warrants Issued for Arrest
Investigators identified Drake Lee Milam as a key suspect, along with Porsche Bancroft and Angela Garrett. All three are believed to be currently living in Indianapolis, Indiana, WHIO reported. Arrest warrants have been issued, and authorities are working to extradite them to Florida to face charges.
The relationship between the three makes them a tight-knit group. Milam and Bancroft are reportedly a couple, and Garrett is Bancroft's mother, according to KIRO 7. That family connection may have helped them coordinate their travels across multiple states.
$5,000 Reward Offered for Tips Leading to Arrest
The Central Florida Crimeline is offering up to $5,000 for any tip that leads to an arrest, WPXI reported. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities or call the Crimeline tip line. All tips can be made anonymously.
Investigators are urging cemetery staff and families across multiple states to review their records for missing items. If you believe you may be a victim, authorities ask that you file a report, even if the theft happened years ago. More cases could still be uncovered as the investigation grows, according to WSOC TV.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
9
Articles
8
Reach
9
