More than 280 gravestones vandalized in Wellsville; 19-year-old charged with felony vandalism
Posted: 01/15/2013
WELLSVILLE, Ohio - More than 200 gravestones in an eastern Ohio cemetery have been pushed over or destroyed by vandals, including those of the small town's founder and his wife.
Wellsville Police Chief Joe Scarabino said Tuesday that three vandals toppled 288 markers last month. Some date back to the 1800s and could never be replaced. Damage could be as high as $500,000.
Scarabino said a 19-year-old man was charged with felony vandalism and obstructing official business after the Dec. 27 incident. Scarabino said charges also have been sent to the county prosecutor for two juvenile suspects.
Police say it's unclear why the vandalism occurred.
Scarabino says wet weather conditions have made resetting the stones impossible in the cemetery that sits in Wellsville, a village of roughly 3,500 people.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PRINT
Around Ohio Headlines
-
Doctors save Ohio boy by 'printing' tube
In a medical first, doctors used plastic particles and a 3-D laser printer to create an airway splint to save the life of a baby boy who used to stop breathing nearly every day.
-
Ohio Internet cafe crackdown approved
An effective ban on Internet cafes targeted as illegal gambling operations has cleared the Ohio Legislature after more than two years of wrangling.
-
More safety planned after park falls
-
Safety measures planned after park falls
-
Teen pleads not guilty in slayings
-
OH tornado victims: 'Take it day by day'
-
Ohio project examines premature births
- Trending now on newsnet5
