All 3 suspects accused of ‘disturbing’ Florida cemetery thefts now in custody

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After a search kicked off last week for three people suspected of stealing from the dead in Florida, investigators announced on Wednesday that they’d finally been taken into custody.

Detectives originally said the group targeted cemeteries, breaking into niches that hold cremated remains and taking family heirlooms left with loved ones — items that can be priceless to grieving relatives.

[RELATED: Trio wanted in Central Florida over looted cemeteries, sheriff says]

At least 20 cases of these “disturbing thefts” have been reported in Florida, deputies said, though investigators believe the number could be higher. The suspects are said to live in Indianapolis and may have committed similar crimes in at least nine states.

In Florida specifically, deputies reported that cases have been identified in Orange County, Seminole County, Hillsborough County, and the city of Winter Park.

One of the suspects — identified as Angela Garrett, 52 — was arrested earlier this week in Indiana, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

In a release on Wednesday, though, deputies revealed that the other two suspects — identified as Drake Lee Milam, 33; and Garrett’s daughter Porsche Bancroft, 32 — had also been taken into custody.

Like Garrett, Milam was also arrested in Indiana, deputies added. Meanwhile, Bancroft turned herself in to the Seminole County Jail.

According to investigators, all three face a variety of charges, including injuring or removing a tomb or monument; disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb; and grand theft over $20,000.

The total value of the stolen property has been estimated at over $35,000.

“But the dollar amount is not what’s important,” the release reads. “Having a loved one’s final resting place disturbed and cherished family heirlooms taken is deeply painful, and we recognize that no arrest can undo what these families have experienced.”

Detectives said they’re continuing to work to identify any other victims and determine the full scope of these crimes.

Officials are also urging families to check their loved ones’ resting places to make sure items remain secure.