January 20, 2023 - Mariposa County Sherriff's Office officials report on January 15th, 2023, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of possible vandalism at the Mariposa Cemetery.
Upon investigating, a total of 47 grave sites were identified as being damaged as well as multiple gravesite decorations such as angles and vases.
Mr. Marlon Ortez, was identified by witnesses as the person damaging the headstones. Mr. Ortez was contacted and admitted to destroying the headstones. Mr. Ortez is a 27 years old transient.
He was arrested and charged with 594.35 PC, Felony Vandalism.
He remains in the Mariposa County Jail as of the release of this information.
At this time the Sheriff’s Office is still evaluating the cost to repair or replace the damaged headstones. Some of the headstones date back to the 1840’s and are made out of Italian marble / stone.
Several local civic groups are working with the Sheriff’s Office and Mariposa County staff on the repair plan.
Source: Mariposa County Sherriff's Office
