Three Indiana residents have been arrested in an investigation into alleged thefts from mausoleum niches containing cremated remains across the eastern half of the United States. Authorities say at least 20 cases have been identified in Florida, while surveillance footage and reports indicate possible crimes in several other states. The suspects allegedly removed jewelry, wedding rings, class rings and other valuables left with deceased loved ones. Investigators are asking families to check cemetery niches and report missing items.
The defendants are Drake Lee Milam, 33, Angela Christine Garrett, 52, and Porsche Roschell Bancroft, 32. Milam and Garrett were arrested in Indiana, while Bancroft surrendered at the Seminole County Jail in Florida. Authorities say the case remains active and that additional victims may not yet know their family members’ resting places were disturbed.
| 1) | Arrests and alleged roles |
| 2) | How the cemetery break-ins allegedly occurred |
| 3) | Valuables reported missing in Florida |
| 4) | Charges, court proceedings and investigation |
| 5) | Authorities seek additional victims |
Arrests and alleged roles
Authorities in Florida say the three suspects traveled together and targeted mausoleum niches in cemeteries across multiple states. Court records identify Bancroft as Milam’s girlfriend and Garrett’s daughter. Milam and Garrett were arrested in Indiana within days of an appeal for information, while Bancroft surrendered in Florida.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Milam and Garrett are expected to be extradited to Florida. Bancroft’s arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 22 in Sanford, Florida, and a trial date has been set for Feb. 8. The available records did not include the defendants’ full court documents, and the allegations have not been resolved in court.
How the cemetery break-ins allegedly occurred
Investigators say surveillance videos appear to show the suspects opening glass-front niches that contain urns, cremated remains and memorial objects. The alleged thieves then removed valuables and left the cemetery, according to authorities. The reported activity occurred in the eastern half of the United States, with locations ranging from Oklahoma City, Minnesota and Texas to Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina and Buffalo, New York.
Authorities also identified possible incidents in Illinois and New Jersey. The alleged method focused on items placed inside niches as memorials or according to the wishes of the deceased. A sheriff’s office spokesperson described the conduct as especially harmful because it combined property theft with the disturbance of final resting places.
“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.”
Valuables reported missing in Florida
Police reports from Orange, Seminole and Hillsborough counties list jewelry and keepsakes with both monetary and emotional value. One family reported that a niche was missing a couple’s gold wedding rings and a high school class ring. Other reports involved a ring given to a deceased spouse for a work anniversary, a daughter’s class ring and a gold chain with an anchor.
Additional families reported missing wedding bands, earrings, bracelets, a platinum-and-diamond ring and a diamond engagement ring. The two championship rings of the late Charles Taaffe, a former offensive coordinator for the University of Central Florida football team, were also reported missing. Authorities said the valuables identified in Florida had a combined value of about $35,000, while emphasizing that the emotional loss was more significant than the dollar amount.
Charges, court proceedings and investigation
The three suspects face a range of allegations, including injuring or removing a tomb or monument, disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb, and grand theft involving more than $20,000. The charges relate to alleged conduct in Florida, where investigators have documented 20 cases so far.
Detectives continue to compare cemetery reports, surveillance footage and property descriptions to determine the full scope of the alleged spree. The investigation is not limited to the cases already identified, and officials believe more families may discover losses after checking their relatives’ niches.
Authorities seek additional victims
Law enforcement agencies are urging people nationwide to inspect the cemetery niches or burial sites of loved ones and confirm that memorial items remain in place. Families who find missing property, or who have information about the suspects’ movements, are being asked to contact Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
The defendants were contacted for comment. Bancroft said her attorney would issue a statement, but none had been received before publication. Garrett and Milam did not respond before publication. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify additional affected families and recover information about the alleged interstate activity.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three Indiana residents were arrested or surrendered in the investigation. |
| 2 | Twenty alleged cases have been identified in Florida. |
| 3 | Authorities say jewelry and family heirlooms were taken from cemetery niches. |
| 4 | Possible incidents were reported across the eastern half of the United States. |
| 5 | Families are being urged to check burial sites and report suspected losses. |
Summary
The arrests mark a significant development in an investigation involving alleged cemetery niche break-ins across several states. Florida authorities have documented 20 cases and identified tens of thousands of dollars in reported losses, but say the personal impact on families is the central concern. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional victims may emerge as cemeteries and families review their records and memorial sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Drake Lee Milam and Angela Christine Garrett were arrested in Indiana. Porsche Roschell Bancroft surrendered at the Seminole County Jail in Florida.
What are the suspects accused of doing?
Authorities accuse the trio of breaking into mausoleum niches containing cremated remains and taking jewelry and other valuables left as memorials.
Where did the alleged thefts occur?
Investigators identified cases in Florida and possible incidents in states including Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, New York, Illinois and New Jersey.
How can potential victims report information?
People who discover missing items or have information about the case can contact Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
