Grave Marker Thief Receives 20 Years

One of the four defendants in the recent grave marker thefts was sentenced Monday by Judge Chris Foy, who handed down two ten-year sentences to be served consecutively.

Brandon Smith will serve up to ten years for the first offense of theft and up to another ten years for the additional offense of criminal mischief.

“The damage is done,” Judge Foy told Smith. “What do you do after this? Talk is cheap. It’s easy to say sorry. I hope when you’re released, you become a positive contributor to society. I hope you come out of this a changed person. Your actions in prison will dictate when you get off on parole.”

The defendant will also have to help pay restitution to the victims throughout the five counties.

“I am not proud of what I’ve done,” Smith said. “My choices have hurt many people. I’m sorry. I have done some soul-searching these last six months and I want to be a better person, a better man and a better father. I want to be a positive member of my community.” 

Franklin County VA Director Adam Akers addressed Smith during his impact statement, saying "stand up and atone for what you have done.

In January, it was announced by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office that a group of people had stolen grave markers from multiple rural and city cemeteries across Franklin County, along with four other counties.

There was around $18,747 worth of damage in Franklin County.

After the June 23 hearing, Robyn Hill-Kofoot told the Chronicle “I’m not happy with what he’s done, but I’m satisfied that our voices were heard today.” 

Kofoot was one of many victims of the grave marker thefts. The bronze plaque on her grandfather’s grave was stolen. It has since been restored. 

Smith was arrested in January and taken to Hardin County Jail, where he’s been for the last six months.