Two Waldorf, Maryland, men have been taken into custody in connection with the theft of over 100 bronze memorial vases from a Charles County cemetery.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reports that the thefts occurred at Trinity Memorial Gardens on Mattawoman Beantown Road between June 8 and June 21, and again between July 4 and July 6. Authorities stated the stolen products were worth over $100,000.
On July 8, officials noticed a van parked on an adjacent property near the cemetery late at night. During their search, detectives uncovered bronze memorial vases in garbage cans.According to the sheriff’s office, police were able to identify two men linked to the thefts based on evidence seized at the scene.
According to officials, Trey Franklin Mason, 25, was apprehended at a Waldorf motel on July 8. A second man, 34-year-old David Anthony Downing, was detained on July 16.
Detectives later discovered that approximately 100 vases stolen during the initial series of thefts had been transported to a scrap metal recycling facility in another jurisdiction. Deputies retrieved the vases before they were processed or melted down.
Mason and Downing are facing charges of theft, property destruction, fraud, and other related offenses. They are being held without bond at Charles County Detention Center.
The sheriff’s office stated that the inquiry is underway. Anyone with additional information can contact Detective K. Dunn at 301-609-6571. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward should call Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
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