Is defacing a headstone in a cemetery a federal offense?

Question

Is defacing a headstone in a cemetery a federal offense?

Answer 1

It should be.  Imagine how horrible the family would fee walking up to the headstone of their loved one to visit, and some stupid peice of scum completely disrespected the death of their loved one?  That would Just kill me if I walked up to my brother headstone, and someone had done that.  I think they should fry!

Answer 2

Not federal, unless it's a military cemetery.  It's malice mischief, vandalism and just plain wrong.  I'd be more worried about the punishment by the Almighty that I would the courts.  

Answer 3

It could be if the defacing is racial or anti Semitic...considered a hate crime.

Answer 4

No. It's a state law matter, unless, of course, you're on a federal reservation. An increasing number of states have made it a felony.  

Answer 5

NOT federal. state or local

Answer 6

I believe it is a local offense.

How sad for things like that to ever happen.

That is the ultimate disrespect.

Ingrid

Answer 7

Its criminal damage and it would be a local offense.

Hope this helps,

Craig.

Answer 8

I thought it was considered private property. It's an offense, but not certain as to where to file a complaint. Ask the groundskeeper at the cemetary in question or call their office. Soemtimes they are hard to reach because I don't think they stay in their office full time. If that doesn't work, try looking to the local police or the local funeral home for help in finding the answer.

Good luck.