MONROE — The search for the fugitive woman convicted of receiving stolen property in a string of cemetery thefts is ongoing, authorities say, but declined to comment on their progress.

Carrie A. Thompson was last seen by authorities at her court appearance last month, during which Judge Thomas J. Vale Sentenced her to 60 days in jail and more than 700 hours of community service. 

Thompson earlier in January pleaded guilty to just five counts through a plea agreement reached between the defendant and District Attorney Craig Nolen’s office that called for years of probation and community service.  

Still, in that initial plea agreement detailed at a Jan. 23 sentencing, no jail time was recommended by the state in the case. However, after emotional impact statements from several victims of the crimes, Vale accepted the agreement but with the addition of 60 days in jail. According authorities, 

Thompson was arrested after she was found in possession of stolen lawn decoration items, solar lights; and memorial and decorative items from grave sites in Monroe, Brodhead, Green County; and some Lafayette County locations. 

She would then allegedly sell them on social media or elsewhere. In Monroe, authorities said, Greenwood and Calvary Cemeteries were especially hard hit.

Green County District Attorney Craig Nolen declined to comment on the status of the case or whether there are any active leads on Thompson’s whereabouts.

An earlier motion by her attorney to stay her jail term pending an appeal was denied by Vale. A felony criminal complaint filed by Nolen’s office last Monday details the time frame during which the defendant was supposed to report to jail: 

“The above-named defendant on or about Saturday, January 27, 2024, in the City of Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin, having received a stay of execution of a jail sentence of 10 days…did intentionally fail to report to the county jail as required under the sentence …”

Those who may have seen Thompson or have information on her location are urged by authorities to contact the Green County Sheriff’s office, or other law enforcement.

Thompson wasn’t initially charged with a felony, due to the fact that none of the stolen items were valued at more than $2,500, the threshold for felony theft in Wisconsin. The failure to report to jail charge, however, upgrades the case to felony status.