Caretakers Charged with Violating Graves, Theft

A grand jury has indicted the caretakers of a western Kentucky cemetery on charges of violating graves and theft.

The Kentucky New Era reports the indictments were handed down Friday against Taunya and Jason Strader, who are the caretakers for Green Hills Memorial Cemetery.

Police accuse the two of pulling up bronze markers without informing the families who paid for the lots.

Jason Strader admits they pulled up the markers, but says it was part of a plan to replace them with new ones.

Prosecutor Lynn Pryor said the couple should have gotten permission before doing the work, but Strader says that isn't necessary since he owns the cemetery.

Strader says the only thing he is guilty of is trying to serve the community.