The Jones County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information leading to the apprehension of those responsible for the desecration of the grave of a WWI soldier who died in the service of his country.
The crime seems even more despicable with Veterans Day approaching next week and Saturday’s Veterans Appreciation Day event.
In a report of the Nov. 2 incident, JCSO Deputy Matthew Johnson stated he was dispatched to the scene off Highway 11 in reference to the damage and theft of property. He met at the scene with Wesley Connell, who had been instrumental in the 2015 cleanup of the grave site and had taken care of the small plot since.
Johnson said the tree next to the gravestone had been attempted to be cut down, and an American Flag had been stolen. The deputy said he found ATV tracks at the scene that led toward Stone Edge Drive.
Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece asked for help from the public in a Nov. 3 post on Facebook.
“Last night, some low-lifes saw fit to attempt to cut down the tree and damage the headstone. Fortunately, the chainsaw was dull and only partially cut through the tree. The American flag was also stolen. Thanks to Wes Connell, his father, and Brock Wise for removing the tree and preventing it from destroying the headstone,” Reece said.
The sheriff said the JCSO takes the act of vandalism seriously.
“I can assure the person who committed this cowardly act will be charged to the fullest extent of the law. A reward is offered to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible,” he added.
Reece said he had spoken to District Attorney Wright Barksdale, who has committed his utmost support in charging anyone involved.
The grave belonged to Ed Morgan, who was killed in action in 1918, approximately one year after enlisting in the war. The soldier was 23 when he died. The headstone has been in place since 1933 and was hidden deep in a thicket before being discovered by Connell’s father.
The cleanup was a group effort of more than a dozen volunteers and local businesses.
Anyone with information about the crime, please contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Office at 478-986-3489 or submit a tip anonymously on the JCSO app or website.
