(Hampton, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in northern Iowa’s Franklin County, Friday, said two people were arrested in connection with the theft of grave markers. According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the arrests stemmed from an extensive investigation into the disappearance of grave markers and historical site markers reported missing over the past month.

The markers were taken from multiple rural and city cemeteries across Franklin County, with additional reports of missing markers in Butler and Cerro Gordo Counties.

Authorities say 44-year-old Brandon S. Smith, of Hampton, and 34-year-old Lauren A. Johnson, of Dumont, were arrested following the execution of search warrants Friday afternoon at residences in Hampton and Dumont. Both suspects face felony charges of Theft in the 1st Degree. Smith was additionally charges with Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree (a Class C Felony), and Theft in the 4th Degree (A Serious Misdemeanor).

Two additional suspects have been identified, according to the sheriff’s department, with charges pending against those individuals. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department was assisted in its investigation by the Hampton Police Department and Butler County Sheriff’s Office.