(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department reports several recent arrests in connection with thefts from cemeteries in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Six people from Council Bluffs, one from Red Oak, and a transient were taken into custody In a news release early this (Thursday) morning, authorities said that in late July 2025, the Council Bluffs Police Department’s (CBPD) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) began an investigation into the theft of memorial vases from local cemeteries after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

The citizen observed a vehicle containing multiple memorial vases traveling near a scrap metal recycler. The citizen believed this was suspicious and contacted a friend who is a local funeral home director. The director confirmed the suspicious behavior and contacted the police department.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that two former contract employees at Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, NE, allegedly began stealing memorial vases from the cemetery and selling them as scrap metal. Investigators believe the thefts began in late June or early July 2025. The investigation revealed that those former employees allegedly conspired with others to steal and scrap the vases.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives have recovered over 800 vases that were stolen from cemeteries in Omaha and Council Bluffs. The vases are predominantly made of bronze and are valued between $150 and $600 each, depending on the brand and type of vase. Investigators estimate that the total monetary loss to the many victims of this
theft ring is well over $100,000.00.

Investigators developed probable cause to apply for arrest warrants related to this case and on August 19, 2025, warrants were issued for the following suspects for the listed charges:

• 52-year–old Shane E. JACKSON, of Council Bluffs, was arrested in Council Bluffs on Aug. 20th, for Theft in the 1st Degree/Possession of Stolen Property, a Class C Felony and Solicitation of a Felony, a Class D Felony.
• 66-year-old Kenneth MEYEROTT, a Transient, was arrested in Council Bluffs and charged with Theft 1st/Possession of Stolen Property, after he was found to be in possession of stolen memorial vases with a total value over $10,000.00 He was subsequently charged with one-count of Solicitation of a Felony, a Class D Felony.
• 26-year-old Frankie S. DIAZ-LOPEZ, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Theft 1st/Possession of Stolen Property, a Class C Felony and Solicitation of a Felony, a Class D Felony. DIAZ-LOPEZ is currently incarcerated in the Douglas County, NE Jail on unrelated charges.
• 27-year-old Miranda M. SHAMBLIN, of Red Oak, was arrested for Theft 1st/Possession of Stolen Property, a Class C Felony.

The following individuals from Council Bluffs are being sought on warrants in connection with the thefts:

• 44-year-old Kristin M. DAVENPORT, who is also charged with Solicitation of a Felony, a Class D Felony.
• 50-year-old Tracey L. KLAHN
• 59-year-old Patty M. VANCE, and
• 58-year-old Larry F. TRUSLER

The Council Bluffs Police Department says relies on citizens to play a role in keeping our community safe by reporting their observations to local law enforcement. This investigation highlights the importance of “See Something, Say Something” and reporting anything out of the ordinary to police.

The Council Bluffs Police would like to thank the Carter Lake Police Department, the Omaha Police Department and the Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in investigating this case. The Council Bluffs Police Department now requests the public’s assistance in locating and apprehending the suspects who remain at large. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these individuals, please contact 911 or the Criminal Investigation Division at 712-328-4728.

To remain anonymous, you may call CrimeStoppers at 712-328-7867 or submit an on-line crime tip at: https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-2/Online-CrimeStoppers-Tip-70

The CBPD says it will work diligently to return recovered vases to families. This will prove to be a difficult task due to the items lacking serial numbers. Be sure to have as much information about your loved one’s memorial before contacting police. This would include photographs, a bill of sale, or any information to help identify your loved one’s vase.

Finally, the public is reminded that the charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law