This was not the case of a cemetery, but teenagers vandalizing our
Lighthouse Catwalk. They were caught and had to make restitution. It was
paid back through the county clerk's office. One continued to pay his
share, but the other once he was 18 was no longer under the jurisdiction of
the juvenile department and the payments were not forthcoming. It looked
like nothing was going to happen, but with the cooperation of the county
clerk and her records we directly contacted the vandalizer and the parents
with a letter stating they would hear from our attorney if they did not
complete the payment of the court ordered restitution. We got all our
money.
Just some food for thought if and when they catch those who vandalized the
cemetery and have a judgment made.
Pat
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee" <Armytruck(a)webtv.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 5:50 PM
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] RE: [IPCRP] Cemetery in Kosciusko County
Larry,
First I would make sure there is an actual written report, if and when
someone is
"caught", it is then up to the prosecutors
discretion on actually what charges will stick. The officer can charge
them however he pleases, but in these cases it always seems they are
charged with the very minor misdemeanor. Also the prosecutor is likely
to let them plead down to attain the conviction, which he may consider
very iffy, should the offender choose to fight it or has a rather slick
attorney.
The only way you can be sure anything is getting done is to stay on top
of it, make it your business. Plenty of these situations evaporate, and
the stones are all thats left.
I have seen convictions usually result if the state police are involved,
they often have a strict interpretation of the crime.
Lee Creed
Greencastle
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