Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery vandalized, police say

Who damaged more than a dozen grave markers and headstones at the historic Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery, where burials date to the Civil War? That’s what police want to know — and they’re asking for the public’s help.

The desecration took place at the cemetery, on Hawkins Avenue in Lake Grove, sometime between Jan. 4 and Jan. 8, Suffolk County police said. Police said 14 grave markers and headstones were damaged during the incident.

It is not clear if police are looking for one suspect — or multiple suspects — but they’re asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477. All calls will remain confidential and callers are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

The nonsectarian cemetery dates to 1862.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”