(WNY News Now) – Ten individuals have been arrested following a joint investigation by the City of Dunkirk Police Department and New York State Police into a series of cemetery thefts involving bronze vases and grave markers.
The City of Dunkirk Police Department announced the arrests after a coordinated investigation into multiple larcenies reported at local cemeteries beginning in October 2025.
Police say the initial complaint involved the theft of a large number of bronze vases and other grave markers from gravesites at Willowbrook Cemetery in the City of Dunkirk. As the investigation progressed, authorities determined that similar thefts had also occurred at a cemetery in the Town of Dunkirk.
Due to the scope, location, and similarities of the incidents, the Dunkirk Police Department partnered with the New York State Police to conduct a joint investigation. Through coordinated investigative efforts, officers and investigators identified multiple suspects believed to be involved in the thefts.
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
Photo By Dunkirk PD
As a result, ten individuals were arrested and charged with offenses related to the possession of stolen property. All ten have been charged with New York State Penal Law §165.45, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. Police noted that additional charges are pending and the investigation remains ongoing.
The individuals charged are:
- Hannah R. Cole, 25, of Brocton
- Kimberly L. Ferguson, 41, of Westfield
- Susan L. Lilly, 52, of Fredonia
- Mathew J. Mulville, 36, of Brocton
- Melinda Pelayo, 52, of Dunkirk
- Derek J. Saxton, 44, of Westfield
- Jarrett J. Sikes, 46, of Dunkirk
- Jesse J. Spellman, 36, of Ripley
- William R. Eppinger, 47, of Dunkirk
- Stephen A. Falkner, 37, of Dunkirk
The Dunkirk Police Department thanked the New York State Police for their assistance and also acknowledged the cooperation of community members and local business owners who provided information during the investigation.
Anyone with additional information related to the cemetery thefts is encouraged to contact the City of Dunkirk Police Department at (716) 366-2266.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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