Men face court hearings in connection to cemetery vandalism

Two men have been arrested in connection with damage earlier this year at a cemetery in Coldwater.

The Daily Reporter in Coldwater reports that 19-year-old William Vanness and 20-year-old Christopher Palmerton, Jr. are charged with conspiracy to maliciously damage property and malicious damage to tombstones.

The newspaper reports that 125 tombstones and grave markers were damaged in March at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.

Damage has been estimated at more than $500,000.

A preliminary examination for Vanness is scheduled for Tuesday. Court proceedings for Palmerton are to start Thursday.

The same cemetery was targeted in 2007, when two teenage boys were blamed for damaging about 100 grave markers. Repairs at the time cost more than $20,000.  (AP)

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