By Associated Press - Thursday, January 30, 2014

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) - A February sentencing has been scheduled for a Columbus man who police say stole ornamental vases and military veteran nameplates from graves at three local cemeteries.

The Columbus Telegram says (https://bit.ly/1fepeAt ) 41-year-old Steven Bequette earlier this week pleaded no contest to drug possession and to attempted theft. Sentencing is set for Feb. 21.

A prosecutor says at least 40 families were victimized by the graveyard thefts. Police say a scrap metal yard worker said the yard bought more than 200 pounds of brass from Bequette last summer.



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Information from: Columbus Telegram, https://www.columbustelegram.com

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