Arrest warrants issued for 2 Illinois men accused of stealing vases from gravestones

Arrest warrants were issued this week for two Illinois men who are accused of stealing vases from a McHenry County cemetery.

The backstory:

On Sept. 3, 2024, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a theft report at McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Around 200 decorative metallic vases, attached to individual gravestones, had been removed and stolen. 

Each vase was valued between $200 and $900.

The McHenry County Criminal Investigations Division launched an investigation and worked with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office to identify two suspects:

  • Fermin Tonche Gallardo, 30, of Waukegan
  • Marcos Mendez, 41, of Waukegan

Both men face charges of theft under $10,000 and damage to gravestones.

Arrest warrants have been issued for both suspects.

What we don't know:

Officials have not provided a timeline for court proceedings.

The Source: Information provided by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

McHenry CountyNewsCrime and Public Safety