Delaware cemetery workers arrested for scrapping brass urns

DOVER, Del. (WPVI) -- Three cemetery employees are under arrest, and Delaware State Police are seeking a fourth suspect, for allegedly stealing brass urns and selling them for scrap.

On July 28, a man reported several brass flower urns missing from his family burial site at the Sharon Hills Memorial Park in Dover.

Delaware State Police say cemetery manager, Ethel Melvin, contacted Dover Scrap Yard to give permission for the other suspects to scrap the brass urns.

The investigation revealed on May 12, suspects Shaughn Graves, Lauri Larlham, and Donald Melvin scrapped urns and received $120.

The suspects also scrapped a total of $234 worth of brass urns on April 24 and May 4.

Police say Ethel Melvin is the mother of Lauri Larlham and Donald Melvin.

The family also manages cemeteries in Camden and Smyrna.

Ethel Melvin, Graves and Larlham were charged with Conspiracy 3rd degree.

Theft charges are pending.

Police are still looking for Donald Melvin.

Contact Corporal S. Ballard of Troop 3 at 302-697-4454 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 if you have any information on his whereabouts.

Text anonymous tips to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."