From the Sheriff:

Arrest Warrants Issued for Gravestone Thefts

On September 3, 2024, members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office were called to the McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery in reference to theft.

It was discovered that approximately 200 decorative metallic gravestone vases were removed from individual gravestones and stolen.

Each decorative vase ranged in value of approximately $200-$900 each.

Upon receiving this report, the McHenry County Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the incident.  

In collaboration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and McHenry County States Attorney’s Office, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify Fermin Tonche Gallardo and Marcos Mendez as the suspects in the theft of the vases.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Gallardo and Mendez.   

Wanted:                                                         

• Fermin Tonche Gallardo (30 years old) Waukegan, IL
• Marcos Mendez (41 years old) Waukegan, IL

Charges: 

• Theft <$10,000 (Class 2 felony)
• Damage to Gravestone (Class 4 felony)

The charges against these individuals are merely allegations against them. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.