Two accused of robbing grave sites

Two men are accused of robbing dozens of grave sites in an Oakbrook Terrace cemetery, authorities said today.

Louis Cortez, 25, and Ervin Callicut, 51, are charged with felony theft. Authorities said they stole more than 60 bronze or copper vases on Sept. 27 from Chapel Hill Cemetery. The men apparently planned to sell the material for scrap value.

Prosecutors said the alleged theft scheme was uncovered during a routine traffic stop by Illinois State Police in which the stolen loot was discovered.

“Grieving families deserve better than to have the final resting place of their loved ones looted by grave robbers, ť DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett said. “Anyone who sees fit to steal from the dead is going to pay a price. ť

The stolen vases were valued at $8,000. If convicted, the men face one to three years in prison. They also are eligible for probation.