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Worcester man stole veterans’ grave markers, police say
Arthur Theurer, 64, is facing four charges after stealing and selling over a dozen grave markers from veteran gravesites
A Worcester man was held with bail Monday after being arrested Jan. 2 in connection to the theft of several veteran grave markers from St. John’s Cemetery.
Arthur Theurer, 64, is facing charges of receiving stolen property over $1200, vandalizing a gravestone, sale of stolen grave marker, and receipt of stolen grave marker, according to a press release from the Worcester Police Department.
Worcester Police officers were dispatched Dec. 31 after receiving a report of stolen bronze plaques. The two missing plaques, along with 15 other veteran grave markers, were recovered from Superior Waste & Recycling, according to a statement of facts filed in Worcester District Court. A photo posted to the Worcester Police Department’s Facebook page showed the collection of grave markers, which included military insignias from the American Legion and the Woman’s Relief Corps.
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A criminal complaint issued Jan. 4 from Worcester District Court indicates that Theurer allegedly committed these offenses Dec. 27 and 28. The statement of facts filed that same day notes that Theurer allegedly used his MA ID card to identify himself when selling the grave markers to Superior Waste and Recycling. The statement of facts also cites Theurer as attempting to “destroy and have (the markers) mutilated.”
Theurer was arraigned Monday and received a bail of $5,000 bond or $500 cash. In lieu of posting bail, Theurer was committed to Worcester County House of Correction and is awaiting a pretrial hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 3.
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The law office of Michael C. O’Doherty, who is representing Theurer, declined to comment.
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