This article has been updated with additional information from the Hopkinsville Police Department.
HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A man has been arrested and charged in connection to the theft of over two dozen veteran grave makers in Hopkinsville.
On Aug. 21, the City of Hopkinsville asked for public assistance in locating a suspect due to recent thefts of around 27 veteran grave markers valued at a total of $12,000 from Cave Springs Cemetery and Riverside Cemetery. Robert Lafon of Pembroke was arrested by Hopkinsville Police on Aug. 27 around noon at Means Avenue.
According to HPD Public Information Officer Justin Rios, detectives were able to locate pieces of the placards that had been sold to a local scrap yard and were able to link the transaction back to Lafon. He was taken into custody at the Christian County Jail and is being charged with receiving stolen property valued at over $10,000, criminal mischief and violating graves.
The city worked with the HPD, area salvage yards, and other community partners in an attempt to identify the suspect and possibly recover the stolen markers. Additional security measures, including cameras and enhanced surveillance, were also installed to help protect the city’s cemetery properties.
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