MONROE — Police have expanded their investigation into a rash of thefts from gravesites and yards to include another location in Lafayette County.

That’s according to Police Chief Fred Kelley, who said his department is focused primarily on reuniting people with property — much of it inexpensive but possessing significant sentimental value. And the value of all the items put together may yet result in felony charges for the one person arrested, and there could be others.

Police continue to actively investigate the matter as a theft case, one that stretches across multiple locations in not only Green; but in Rock and Lafayette Counties. Carrie Thompson, 46, was charged earlier this month with several counts of receiving stolen property, obstructing justice and resisting arrest.

As many as 3 to 4 residents a day are now coming in to the police department to see if they can identify stolen grave items or other property, a grim march of people that Kelley said he was at a loss for words to describe, as it involves crimes against the grieving in many cases.

“There’s all sorts of adjectives that could be used to describe (this),” said Kelley. “I’m going to leave that for your readers to decide…Right now we’re trying to identify victims.”

Police said among the items allegedly taken are lawn decoration items, solar lights; and memorial and decorative items from grave sites in Monroe, Brodhead; Green and Lafayette Counties. She would then allegedly sell them online, over social media sites or elsewhere. 

Meanwhile, a steady stream of social media commenters are weighing in on the theft of items dear to them. 

“I still can’t wrap my head around how such a person could do this theft causing such painful emotions,” said one commenter, echoing the sentiments of most.

Kelley said he struggles to answer when people ask him why or who would steal momentous and sentimental items from graves.

“The biggest question we get is why,” said Kelley. “And the answer is ‘I just don’t know’.”

The person or people involved in the Lafayette County search warrant, in Darlington, have not been charged with a crime at this point, he said, but the investigation there also continues.

The case could have spanned years said Kelley, adding that the statute of limitations in Wisconsin for misdemeanor theft is three years, while it is seven years for felony theft.

Sgt. Dan Skatrud has also spent considerable time on the case. Police say those who may suspect theft can come in and check out the seized items or call 608-329-2401 for more information.