Vandals wanted for desecrating Civil War graves
Suffolk County police and Crime Stoppers released images of the desecration at the Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery that occurred between Oct. 10 and Oct. 13, 2014. The vandals are still being sought. Credit: Suffolk County Crime Stoppers
The Suffolk County Police and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public's help in finding the suspects who earlier this month desecrated a cemetery in Lake Ronkonkoma that is the final resting place for Civil War soldiers.
Between Oct. 10 and Oct. 13, police say two American flags were stolen, the metal support of a gravestone was damaged and two flower wreaths from graves at the Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery were moved.
Ellyn Okvist, president of the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Organization, said she reported the vandalism to police on Oct. 13 after receiving calls from local residents.
The night before, on Oct. 12, a scavenger hunt involving students from Sachem East High School allegedly took place in the neighborhood. The list of tasks participants were asked to perform, according to a document leaked to local news site Patch.com, included dancing on a grave. However, police have not made a formal connection between the vandalism and the alleged scavenger hunt.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous and calls will be kept confidential.
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