Update: Riverside cemetery targeted by vandals

Washington County officials have received several tips this week regarding the vandalism that occured at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Riverside last weekend. Thus far no arrests have been made, but the City of Riverside is prepared to offer a reward to anyone who can offer information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) involved. The reward amount is yet to be determined.

Around 100 grave stones that have survived decades of wear at Mount Olivet Catholic cemetery fell at the hands of vandals  over the weekend in Riverside.

Most of the stones were located in the oldest section of the cemetery. Many were tall and either knocked off their bases or pushed over. Crosses also appeared to have been pried off the top of stones and smashed. Some urns were also kicked off of graves in the newer section of the cemetery, scattering flowers.

“How sad, how sad,” Evelyn Yeggy, a Saint Mary's Catholic Church parishioner said as she walked throughout the cemetery. “They just went up and down the rows and had a day with it.”

The damage was discovered yesterday after a funeral service was conducted at the cemetery. Thus far it is unknown whether or not the church's insurance will cover the sustained damage. No stones at the nearby Riverside cemetery were touched.

Jim Rose, a St. Mary's parish council member said the repairs will be made to the affected section of the cemetery, but it is uncertain how much it will cost, or where the money will come from.

“I'm angry,” Jim Rose, a St. Mary's parish council member said. “I personally have one to fix - my aunt's stone.”

This is not the first time the small cemetery has been targeted. Five years ago someone stole minature American flags that were placed in the cemetery.

“Nothing ever came out of that as far as I know,” Rose said.

A report about the vandalism has been made to local authorities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Department.