Two charged with stealing veteran grave markers
By Jennifer Petracca
Two men were arrested for stealing markers from veteran gravesites in a West Warwick cemetery.
Police say 39-year-old Robert Haney, of West Warwick, and 32-year-old Michael Gilligan, of Providence, were arrested for stealing bronze cemetery markers and vases from WWI, WWII, and Vietnam veterans at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
After a tip about the stolen markers, Johnston Police Detectives checked three recycling businesses in Johnston before locating the 29 markers, valued at $20,503 and the six vases, valued at $2,160 at J & S Scrap.
Haney and Gilligan, who each have lengthy criminal records, were charged with felony, receiving stolen goods, and conspiracy.
Haney was arrested on June 27th and is being held as a probation violator. Gilligan was arrested Wednesday and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in 3rd Division District Court.
© WLNE-TV 2015
