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Cemetery worker stole veterans’ gravestones for backyard projects

PROVIDENCE, RI — A worker at a Rhode Island  Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery admitted to stealing more than 100 gravestones to use on backyard projects.  Kevi...
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PROVIDENCE, RI — A worker at a Rhode Island  Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery admitted to stealing more than 100 gravestones to use on backyard projects.  Kevin Maynard, 59, has agreed to plead guilty as part of a plea agreement according to WPRI.

“He recognized that what he did was wrong, very wrong,” Maynard’s lawyer told WPRI. “He’s accepted responsibility and he’s going to enter a plea. And that’s what his plan’s been all along.”

State police and a federal agent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs began investigating Maynard after he had “bragged” to co-workers about taking the headstones.

The headstones were from a pile of worn or damaged stones that were replaced free of charge to families of veterans by the V A.  Maynard was aware that the law called for grinding up the granite to protect the dignity of the veterans whose names are on the markers.

Maynard’s lawyer says he cooperated with investigators from day one, “He admitted what he had done. He took police to his house and showed them where the stones were.”

The court affidavit included photos that show headstones planted in the ground face down, used as foundations for a shed and two makeshift garages.

Maynard could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but the government has recommended 1 year probation and 500 hours of community service in the plea agreement.

Maynard resigned his position at the cemetery after details of the investigation came out. It is unknown at this time if he will retain his pension.

 

 

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