By Staff
Three arrests have been made in connection with the recent theft of bronze vases from local cemeteries.
Billy Matthew Wright, 30, Jurdy Wayne Hughes Jr., 19, and Zelma Genell Hughes, 24, all of Friendship Road in Somerville, are charged in connection with the recent rash of thefts of bronze flower vases from local cemeteries. Two such reports were received by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office from Somerville Church of God on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Almost 20 vases, with an estimated value of $2,500, were reported stolen.
The arrests came on the heels of information from citizens. Investigators were able to determine where the vases were sold and identified the people who sold them. Later, a check of records matched the suspects’ car to one seen around the vicinity of the cemetery around the times of the thefts. Investigators were able to locate most of the cases at a metal recycling facility in Lawrence County.
Wright and Jurdy Hughes are charged with theft of property in the first degree and are being held on $20,000 bond. Zelma Hughes are charged with receiving stolen property in the first degree and being held on $1,500 bond.