May 6th, 2025

Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said his office was contacted on Wednesday April 30th, 2025 about vandalism and theft at the Tarlton Cemetery in southern Newton County. It was discovered that the bronze foot markers had been stolen from the graves of United States Veterans in the cemetery.

Deputy Sirmons responded and began an investigation. He learned there had been thefts of those types of markers in Pope County as well. He also checked recycling businesses in surrounding counties and found that at least one place had been brought bronze plaques that would fit the dimension, but they had been damaged and the names and dates ground off. He notified the jurisdictions those businesses were in to begin an investigation into who brought them.

"I have been in law enforcement for many years and have seen some horrible things, but the amount of blatant disrespect this shows just about tops it!" Sheriff Wheeler said. "Not only is this theft, but there are several other felony offenses involved in this, and when we find the low-lives that did this, I plan to charge them with any and all statutes we possibly can! They are not only no good thieves, but they are dishonoring and disrespecting our very best citizens! Men and women that signed the line to agree to put their lives on hold, and even give their lives if necessary, to defend and protect our nation and all of us. This is an absolute disgrace!"

Sheriff Wheeler encourages the citizens to check their local cemeteries to see if the same has happed there and, if so, to report it as soon as possible to his office. He also asks citizens to keep an eye open for any suspicious activity at cemeteries and to please call his office if you have any information about the case. The Newton County Sheriff's Office can be reached at 870-446-5124. Dialing option 1 will get you straight trough to Dispatch.

Wheeler concluded, "We will put in the effort this case deserves to bring these absolute slimeballs to justice and would appreciate any help the public can offer. This is a horrible, disrespectful thing for anyone to do!"