Incident Overview

In DeKalb County, Alabama, a woman named Martha Jane Bowes has been arrested and faces numerous charges after being caught on camera stealing handmade floral arrangements from a gravesite. This incident was reported by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office following a family member’s discovery that their decorations had been stolen. The family member installed cameras to catch the thief, capturing Bowes, 69, in the early morning hours as she took two new sets of floral arrangements from a headstone.

Investigation and Arrest

After receiving the report, the sheriff’s office launched an investigation due to the serious and insensitive nature of the crime. Warrants were issued for Bowes’ arrest on charges of theft of property and grave desecration. Deputies executed a search warrant at Bowes’ home in Hammondville, a neighborhood in Fort Payne. During the search, they recovered the stolen floral arrangements along with a large number of other decoration-style floral arrangements.

Bowes initially told investigators over the phone that she was in Mississippi and wouldn’t return until the following Wednesday. However, she was later found at another residence in Fort Payne and was arrested without incident with assistance from police officers from Valley Head and Mentone.

Call for Public Assistance

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying the recovered floral arrangements. They have created a photo gallery of the items, hoping that victims can recognize their belongings and contact the sheriff’s office to reclaim them.

Contact Information

If you recognize any of the floral graveside arrangements in the photo gallery and can provide proof of ownership, please contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. They are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central time at (256) 845-3801.

Supporting Law and Order

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden emphasized the importance of solving such crimes and praised the efforts of the investigation team and the public for their valuable information. The sheriff’s office remains committed to returning the stolen items to their rightful owners and ensuring that families can honor their deceased loved ones with proper decorations.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the unfortunate reality of thefts even in sacred places like cemeteries. The swift action of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the cooperation of the community demonstrate the commitment to upholding justice and respecting the memories of loved ones.

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