Man Burglarizes Dead People's Home During Funeral Service: Police

POLK COUNTY, FL — A Lake Wales suspect is accused of stealing items from homes owned by dead people while their families were at their funerals, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

Ronald Rose, 42, burglarized 10 homes during funerals between Oct. 1 through Feb. 8 in the areas of Auburndale, Mulberry, Lakeland and Haines City, according to investigators. Rose targeted homes that matched dead victims who had public obituaries listed, so he knew when the family would be at the funeral, police said.

Rose was arrested Monday and faces charges of armed burglary, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000, grand theft from a dwelling, grand theft of a firearm and petit theft.

“People who burglarize or steal are low, so victimizing people during a time when they are grieving the loss of a loved one…that’s lower than low," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Someone who is willing to take advantage of people at a time like this has no compassion or consideration, and is a true menace to society.”

During a search of Rose’s home, detectives said stolen property was found and linked back to the 10 burglaries.

Police believe there could be more victims out there, possibly in other counties.

If anyone believes they have been a victim of one of these burglaries, or they believe the residence of a deceased loved-one has been burglarized in this manner, you are asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.