Search underway for trio of 'tomb raiders' suspected of stealing from cemeteries in 9 states
A search is underway for a trio of "tomb raiders" that have allegedly traveled the country visiting local cemeteries, stealing family heirlooms out of niches containing cremated remains.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Drake Lee Milam, 33; his girlfriend, Porsche Bancroft, 32; and her mother, Angela Garrett, 52. Florida is seeking to extradite them to face charges in this case, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The suspects, who live in Indianapolis, are believed to have hit at least nine states, the sheriff's office said.
This includes Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina and New York, according to the sheriff's office.
"Imagine losing your wife or husband and placing their wedding ring, and yours, in the niche -- only to have them stolen by thieves looking for an easy payday," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
There are 20 cases of robberies in Florida, but detectives believe there could be "many more," the sheriff's office said.
"What a horrible person you are if you decide to steal from the dead," Cpl. Cole Brazee said in a video posted by the sheriff's office on social media.
"Please check your loved one's resting place to make sure your prized heirlooms are safe. Our partners at Central Florida Crimeline agree that this is such a heinous crime that they are putting up a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. 800-423-TIPS (8477)," the sheriff's office said.
