Juvenile cited after grave site damage in Allen County

ALLEN COUNTY, Ky. – A juvenile is reportedly cited after grave site damage in Allen County.

According to Sheriff Brandon Ford with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the agency filed charges on Friday in connection with vandalism at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church at 3940 Old Gallatin Road.

Deputies say they observed several headstones in the cemetery that were intentionally damaged or disturbed. The tombstones that were mostly pushed over ranged from 800 to 2,000 pounds per grave site, according to prior coverage by News 40.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the scene on May 2. In total, authorities say around 25 headstones had been pushed over.

The Allen County Sheriff’s Office says a representative of the church stated it would cost the church approximately $250 to $300 to reset each headstone.

Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church’s Pastor said she forgives the people who did the crime, but there is a price to pay behind the mess.

“We’re happy that they have found somebody to hold accountable for it. We’re as a church trying to decide where to go from here. Be sure to show grace and let the family know that, of the Individual that is responsible, that he is forgiven and that we are going to hopefully work with them directly to not necessarily punish but teach that actions do have consequences,” said Allison Gregory, Pastor of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.

On a later date, authorities say they obtained information about multiple juveniles being responsible for the damage. Deputies say one juvenile has confessed to their involvement in the incident and has been cited and released to a parent.

The identity of the juvenile has not been released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing in an attempt to locate and charge others allegedly involved in the incident.

News 40 will provide additional information as it is released.