HAMPTON, Iowa – One of the four people accused of stealing memorial plaques in Franklin County is pleading guilty.

Brandon Scott Smith, 43 of Hampton, has entered a guilty plea to first-degree theft and first-degree criminal mischief.

Smith and three others were arrested for stealing bronze memorial plaques from boulders, historical sites, and veterans’ gravestones in at least six cemeteries in Franklin County. Law enforcement says the four would etch identifying information off of the plaques, cut them into pieces, and sell the pieces to a salvage business in Sheffield. The checks from the salvage business would then be cashed at United Bank and Trust in Hampton.

Smith’s sentencing is set for June 23.

The other three defendants are still pleading not guilty to first-degree theft and

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