Worker who stole veterans' gravestones to plead guilty

PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 2 (UPI) -- A former cemetery employee accused of stealing 150 gravestones belonging to deceased veterans is expected to plead guilty to federal charges.

Reports say Kevin Maynard, 59, has worked at the Rhode Island Veterans' Memorial Cemetery since 2005, and was aware of the proper procedures to follow when a gravestone was damaged. Instead of following procedure, Maynard took damaged stones home and used them for household projects, including using them for the foundation of a shed and two garages.

The writing on some of the stolen markers was easily visible, while others were flipped over and half-buried in the ground, according to authorities after an April investigation of Maynard's Charlestown home.

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Atty. Peter F. Neronha's office reportedly announcedthe ex-employee has agreed to plead guilty to one count of theft of government property on July 13. A search warrant affidavit obtained by WPRI states Maynard boasted about taking the gravestones and knew that proper disposal procedures.

Maynard resigned from his position just three days after the initial investigation went public in May, according to reports.