Police lay charges against Norfolk County grave robber

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid additional charges against a man in connection with an ongoing investigation into thefts from local cemeteries.

On Aug. 19, officers arrested and charged 39-year-old Douglas Stevens of Oxford County in relation to a theft at the Waterford Greenwood Cemetery.

The next day, authorities executed a search warrant on Stevens’ vehicle, which led to a stolen urn containing human remains being recovered — along with other stolen property.

Investigators say that stolen items from graves were sold for scrap.

As a result of the investigation, Stevens has been charged with the following alleged offences:

• Indignity to dead body
• Trafficking in stolen goods over $5,000 (including possession with intent to traffic)
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The OPP says information regarding how affected community members will be reunited with recovered property will be shared once it becomes available.

Anyone with information related to this investigation, or who believes they may have been a victim of a similar incident, is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.helpsolvecrime.com.

READ MORE: Norfolk County OPP reports stolen headstone from Port Rowan cemetery