A Lyons man is behind bars after deputies say he stole dozens of bronze vases from a Pittsford cemetery and tried to sell them for scrap.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says it happened Thursday afternoon at White Haven Memorial Park on Marsh Road. Staff reported seeing a man take several bronze vases from mausoleums and leave before deputies arrived, but they were able to give a detailed description of him and his vehicle.
While deputies were still at the cemetery, Premier Metal in East Rochester called to report that a man matching that description was attempting to turn in bronze vases for cash. East Rochester Police responded and detained 42-year-old Christopher Stefano.
Deputies say Stefano had 79 bronze vases and a brass handle worth more than $11,000, along with illegal drugs. He’s charged with grand larceny, cemetery desecration, and drug possession.
Because he’s a predicate felon, Stefano was ordered held without bail at the Monroe County Jail.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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