Man Charged with Stealing Veterans' Graves Gets Court Date

A Grafton man will be arraigned in Worcester District Court on charges he stole nearly 100 grave markers, many from veterans, for scrap.

Alan Long, 44, of 23 East St., North Grafton, was charged with receiving stolen property over $250 and crimes against chastity, morality, decency and good order.

He is charged with attempting to sell 95 grave markers, many from veterans and American Legion members, to two scrap dealers in Worcester.

He was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from all cemeteries in the state. His arraignment date is Dec. 22.

Worcester police said they were alerted on Oct. 7 by Starr Scrap, 25 Kansas St., Worcester, that Long had turned in 42 brass grave markers. Two of these markers contained names and dates of birth and death, police said.

As a result, the markers were determined to be from graves in Clinton and Sterling, police said.

Police also responded to Metals Recycling, 20 Nipnapp Trail, Worcester, Oct. 11 and recovered 53 additional grave markers that were turned in for scrap by Long, police said.

Records indicate that Long received $495.53 for cemetery markers and supporting rods, police said.