2 arrested after more than 100 vases stolen from Waldorf cemetery, police say

WALDORF, Md. - Detectives have arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of more than 100 bronze memorial vases taken from a cemetery in Waldorf, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

Trey Franklin Mason, 25, of Waldorf, and David Anthony Downing, 34, of Waldorf, were charged with theft scheme, destruction of property, fraud and other related offenses tied to alleged thefts at Trinity Memorial Gardens on Mattawoman Beantown Road. Both are being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

Investigators say the thefts occurred during two periods, between June 8 and June 21, and between July 4 and July 6. On July 8, detectives said they observed a van parked on an adjacent property near the cemetery late at night. They canvassed the area and found garbage cans filled with bronze vases. Evidence recovered at the scene helped identify the suspects, officials said.

Detectives determined that up to 100 vases stolen during the first time period had been transported to a scrap metal recycling facility in another jurisdiction. The vases were recovered before being processed or melted down. Their total value is estimated at more than $100,000.

Officials say Maryland criminal law prohibits stealing or attempting to sell cemetery bronze items, including memorial vases, markers and plaques. Scrap metal dealers are also barred from purchasing or accepting such items. The investigation into the scrap dealer remains active.

FOX 5 reached out to cemetery management for comment but did not immediately hear back. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective K. Dunn at 301‑609‑6571 or Charles County Crime Solvers at 1‑866‑411‑TIPS. Tips may also be submitted online or through the P3Intel mobile app.

Impact on local families

What they're saying:

The thefts have caused significant pain for grieving families visiting Trinity Memorial Gardens expecting a place of peace.

Madison Shotwell has six family members buried at the cemetery, including her father, who passed away nearly a year ago.

"My first reaction: it’s heartbreaking. Mainly, this brought up the whole emotions of losing my dad again," Shotwell said. "We’re supposed to go there and sit there with my dad, my grandparents, and now I go there, and his headstone isn’t complete, and it angers me."

While the thefts were shocking to the impacted families, law enforcement officials emphasized that bronze metal theft is a persistent problem.

"This is something that’s been occurring over a long period of time, not only here but throughout the country. So, it’s shocking for a lot of people to hear that somebody would do this, but this is not an unusual phenomenon. I mean, this happens often," said Diane Richardson with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

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