Suspect Arrested in 47 Michigan Grave Markers Thefts

Shiawassee County authorities have arrested a convicted embezzler as a suspect in the theft of dozens of bronze historical and grave markers, which were cut up and sold for scrap.

The sheriff’s department says 49-year-old Tobe L. Holifield of Durand, Mich., is linked to 47 such thefts in the county since February 2013 and is suspected in similar thefts in neighboring Genesee County. It estimates the damage at $20,000.

Lt. David Kirk says Holifield stole ‘bronze grave markers, historical markers and dedication plaques attached to bridges.”

Holifield was arraigned Monday on theft and malicious destruction charges. District Judge Ward Clarkson set his bond at $15,000 and scheduled a probable cause hearing June 10.

Holifield didn’t have a lawyer Monday. He’s on probation for a 2012 embezzlement conviction in Genesee County.