Unnerving Theft at Upstate NY Cemetery Leads to Felony Charges

Man Accused of Robbing the Grave

We've written about some unusual thefts throughout Upstate New York over the years, but this one is particularly unsettling. According to the report from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, a local man is facing felony charges after authorities say he stole a gravestone from a cemetery in Whitehall.

An investigation led to Gordon, who was located in possession of the gravestone and admitted to stealing it from the cemetery. -WCSO

According to Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy, deputies were called to Greenmount Cemetery in Whitehall following a report that a gravestone had been stolen.

Bruce Gordon, Jackson, NY, is accused of stealing a gravestone in Whitehall. Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office

And we're not talking about something small; authorities say the gravestone was valued at more than $1,800.

Man Admitted Stealing the Gravestone

According to the Sheriff's Office, the gravestone's owners had information suggesting someone they knew may have taken it. The investigation eventually led deputies to 66-year-old Bruce W. Gordon Sr. of Jackson, New York.

The Sheriff's Office says Gordon was found in possession of the missing gravestone and admitted to stealing it from the cemetery. Fortunately for the family, authorities recovered the stolen item.

Read More: Local Bakery Cleaning Up After Overnight Break-In in Clifton Park 

Gordon was charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Cemetery Desecration in the First Degree. Both charges are Class E felonies.

Motive was Unclear to Authorities

According to the Sheriff's Office, Gordon was processed at the Whitehall substation and issued an appearance ticket before being released on his own recognizance, and they say he is expected to appear in Whitehall Town Court at a later date.

Authorities didn't provide additional information about why the gravestone was allegedly taken.

It's one thing to have something stolen from your home, car, or property. But from a gravesite? That's an entirely different level of disturbing.