State police at Margaretville started an investigation Tuesday into vandalism at the Margaretville Cemetery.
The village has offered a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible knocking over 12 headstones in the village cemetery and breaking several of them, Mayor William Stanton said Friday.
Village workers discovered the damage Tuesday when they arrived to open the gate at about 8 a.m., he said. It apparently happened some time after the gates were closed Monday, and workers found that the lock had been cut off the chains that secured the gate.
The stones date back to the mid-1800s in the older section of the village cemetery. Troopers said Friday that interviews have been conducted, and the investigation is ongoing.
"Any type of vandalism is upsetting" but it is more so when it involves a cemetery, Stanton said. Whoever did this, "I think they should be held accountable. There is no reason for it. It's just not right."
If someone is caught, Stanton said he would expect they would pay for restoration. Otherwise, he said he was hopeful that people would volunteer and make contributions to cover whatever costs arise. The amount needed has not been determined.
Historical Society of Middletown President Diane Galusha said the vandalism was upsetting.
It was "a cruel blow," coming after the group had worked to inform people about the history at the cemetery through a June tour and posting more than 2,000 headstone inscriptions online, she said. The historical society and a related group have experience with headstone restorations. Members would be willing to share their expertise to help village crews with the work, she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call troopers at (845) 586-2681 or the village office at (845) 586-4418.
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