Authorities chase leads in cemetery vandalism

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Sheriff Steve Burrows believes juveniles are responsible for weekend vandalism at the Crowder Cemetery. <br><br>Vandals overturned 40 tombstones and scattered markers, flowers

Wednesday, May 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Sheriff Steve Burrows believes juveniles are responsible for weekend vandalism at the Crowder Cemetery.

Vandals overturned 40 tombstones and scattered markers, flowers and other decorations at the cemetery.

"We've got a pretty good idea who was responsible for this," Burrows said. "We'll catch the person."

Burrows said he would ask the district attorney to require restitution and community service for the vandals.

Members of local churches helped set the grave markers up again.

Pittsburg County crews working for District One Commissioner Gene Rogers are to help repair seals that hold the upright portions of the tombstones to their bases.

"Whatever we can do to straighten things up, we're going to do," he said.

Several of the stones were broken into pieces when they hit the ground.