State Police Arrest Suspect in Theft of Bronze Cemetery Plaques Across Oneida County

The New York State Police have arrested David Relyea Jr., age 40, of Blossvale, NY, following a months-long investigation into the theft of bronze cemetery plaques and memorial markers from multiple cemeteries throughout Oneida County.

The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at SP Oneida. Investigators reviewed salvage records, conducted interviews, and pursued numerous investigative leads that identified Relyea as a suspect.

Records obtained from SIMS Metal Management in Rome showed that Relyea completed dozens of brass transactions between December 2025 and June 2026, selling approximately 1,470 pounds of brass. Investigators determined that the brass sold included stolen cemetery plaques and memorial markers removed from cemeteries throughout Oneida County.

As a result of the investigation, Relyea was arrested and charged on August 6, 2026, for: 

• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D felony)

Relyea was transported to the Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) for arraignment and released on his own recognizance.

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Original Press Release April 28, 2026:

The New York State Police are currently investigating a cemetery desecration incident that occurred at 5655 East Main Street in the town of Verona.

During the investigation, it was determined that two bronze veteran plaques were forcibly removed and stolen from headstones within the cemetery. The plaques, which honor military service, are considered both historically and sentimentally significant.