MANCHESTER, IOWA – A Northern Iowa man is behind bars after he allegedly vandalized numerous headstones at a cemetery.
On August 16th , 2019 at approximately 9:48 AM the Manchester Police Department received a report of vandalism at the Oakland Cemetery at 1125 North Franklin Street. Officers located 25 headstones that were moved or tipped over from the ground and 4 head stones that were broken.
During the investigation, officers received information that the defendant was observed leaving a residence in the area where the vandalism took place at approximately 4:00 AM on August 16th.
The defendant was later interviewed by law enforcement and the defendant confessed to officers that he pushed over a rock in the cemetery which was a specific headstone involved in the vandalism. The defendant stated he was extremely intoxicated and under the influence of prescription medications at the time of the incident.
An estimate of approximately $23,800 in damages was obtained, which includes setting 25 headstones back in their original position and replacement of the four broken headstones.
Arrested:
Malachi Montes Age 26 of Manchester
Charges:
Criminal Mischief-1st Degree a Class C Felony
Montes is in custody at the Delaware County Jail on other unrelated charges.