Final Defendants Sentenced in Franklin County Plaque Theft Case

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The final two defendants connected to the theft of memorial and historical plaques in Franklin County, Iowa were sentenced this week in District Court. Rachel Card of Hampton and Lauren Johnson of Dumont both pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting third-degree theft and were sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on supervised probation for two years. They were also ordered to pay restitution along with two other codefendants in the case.

Why it matters

The theft of memorial plaques and historical markers is a serious crime that can have a significant impact on local communities, especially veterans' families and historical preservation efforts. This case highlights the importance of holding all individuals accountable for their involvement in such crimes.

The details

The case involved the removal of bronze plaques from veterans' graves, cemetery monuments and historical markers at multiple sites across Franklin County. Card and Johnson pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the thefts, while the other codefendants in the case have already been sentenced.

• In January, Card and Johnson pleaded guilty in Franklin County District Court.
• This week, Card and Johnson were sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on supervised probation for two years.