The Scott County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint on Friday, June 26 of a theft at Pilot Cemetery.
According to the complaint filed by Fred Potter, he had visited the gravesite of his late wife, Betty L. Potter and discovered that the headstone was missing. Additionally, that the plot next to his wife, where Potter was to be buried, had been used to bury the remains of Thomas Wright.
“…the tombstone with my wife’s name on one side and my name on the other…is missing. In addition, the plot where I am to be buried has the remains of Thomas Wright (father of Cassaundra Holmes.)”
The complaint also stated that Holmes had spoken with the cemetery’s board director, claiming that Potter wished to be cremated and “sent back to California.” A statement Potter claims as “totally false.”
Potter also claimed that “I learned the grave digger was told by Kevin Wright, brother of Cassaundra Holmes, to put the tombstone on his trailer and was taken off.”
Martin Funeral Home in Waldron had “no comment at this time” regarding the report.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the complaint. The alleged act is criminal under Arkansas Code 5-39-401.
2010 Arkansas Code Title 5 – Criminal Offenses Subtitle 4 – Offenses Against Property Chapter 39 – Burglary, Trespass, and Other Intrusions Subchapter 4 – Offenses Involving Cemetery or Grave Markers § 5-39-401 – Destruction or removal of a cemetery or grave marker. 5-39-401. Destruction or removal of a cemetery or grave marker.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, corporation, company, or other entity to destroy or carry away any cemetery marker or grave marker.
(b) Destruction or removal of a cemetery marker or grave marker is a Class C felony.
You can view the complaint filed with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office
– HERE–