Terry Wood, 53, and Breanna Puentez, 25, were indicted on theft and vandalism charges against a cemetery. Two are being indicted in Indiana regarding their alleged connection with a series of thefts of bronze veteran markers off the graves of several soldiers across the Hoosier State.

According to a La Porte County Sheriff’s Office news release, 53-year-old Terry Wood and 25-year-old Breanna Puentez were arrested Friday. The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said at least 15 grave markers from six different cemeteries in the county were reported stolen last month and another was allegedly damaged.

Theft and grave mischief charges have been filed against both defendants in multiple counts.

On August 28, the sheriff’s office asked all citizens to pay their respects to the grave sites of the soldiers and reported that an investigation into the stolen grave markers was launched. It said further that, as a result of good information on the following day, detectives were able to identify a suspect.

Under the leadership of seasoned detective Jake Koch, the investigation led to evidence to substantiate that grave stones were stolen from the cemeteries in Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, Carmel, Pinola, Greenwood, and St. Stan’s.

Evidence from the investigators presented to the La Porte County Circuit Court and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office was enough to establish probable cause for arresting Wood.

The “Justice, Peace, and Salute” operation occurred on Friday in the 400 block of Andrew Avenue in La Porte. That’s where Wood was arrested, along with collecting more evidence.

Later that day, Puentez was arrested and charged in connection to the burglaries.

“It is abhorrent, intolerable, and will not be tolerated in La Porte County! The entire Sheriff’s Office hopes justice will be served on both accused persons as a result of the hard, in-depth investigation provided by Detectives Koch and Banic.” In a news release, Capt. Derek J. Allen said, “We hope these arrests bring peace and comfort to US Veterans-both living and dead-and we honor them for their service.”

A booking for both of them was made at the La Porte County Jail.

Puentez is not eligible for bail as she was out on bond, while Wood is being detained on a $15,005 cash-only bond.

Ex-Indiana Sheriff Admits Guilt in Misuse of Funds for Travel, Gifts, and Cars

Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel pled guilty to 27 counts
As part of a settlement, a former Indiana sheriff entered a guilty plea to more than two dozen counts relating to claims he misused millions of local tax dollars for gifts, travel, automobiles, and other personal costs.

According to the Associated Press, 53-year-old former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel entered a guilty plea on Monday to 27 charges, including stealing, official misconduct, tax evasion, and money laundering. As part of his plea agreement, he would pay more than $3 million in reparations and serve 15 years in jail.

Four charges of ghost employment, which claimed Noel had his workers do personal tasks on his property, were to be withdrawn as part of the arrangement.

On Monday, Special Judge Larry Medlock stated that while he was not opposed to the plea offer, he wanted more time to speak with the people who Noel’s alleged acts had hurt before approving it.

“I want to hear from taxpayers that have been aggrieved by the actions of this individual,” Medlock said.
Noel’s $1.5 million bond keeps him incarcerated in the Scott County Jail.

Before stepping down in 2022, he was elected to two straight terms as the Republican sheriff of Clark County. In the past, Noel chaired the Republican Party of Clark County as well.

Noel entered a guilty plea to the majority of the charges related to his tenure as the CEO and president of the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association, which is also known as New Chapel Fire and EMS. Under Noel, the business was awarded many governmental contracts in Clark and Floyd counties for fire and emergency medical services. In January, the board of the association decided to fire him.

The News and Tribune claimed that Noel and his family reportedly spent millions of dollars on trips, presents, clothes, and cars.

Noel had utilized firefighter organization monies as a “personal piggy bank,” according to Medlock’s June statement.

After conducting many searches, the Indiana State Police found money for an airplane, vintage vehicles, and college tuition.
Separate accusations of theft and tax evasion are made against Noel’s daughter, Kasey Noel, and wife, Misty Noel. The jury trials for both of the ladies, who entered not guilty pleas, are set for October 28.

According to the terms of his plea deal, Noel must pay the Utica Township Volunteer Firefighters Association more than $2.87 million in restitution, the sheriff’s department more than $61,000, the Indiana Department of Revenue more than $173,000 along with his spouse, and the Indiana State Police more than $35,000 in costs related to evidence storage.

In addition, Noel would have to pay a fine, the exact amount of which would be decided by the court.