KITTANNING, Pa. — Investigators say people looking to buy plots at an historic Armstrong County cemetery had their money stolen.
According to police, there are multiple victims who paid for plots at the Kittanning Cemetery, but their money was never given to the treasurer.
According to state police, one victim said they purchased pre-arrangements in 2011. They said they were told if they paid cash, the price was cheaper.
According to the victim, the suspect -- identified by police as a former caretaker -- hand-wrote a receipt and gave it to them.
When the victims never received a deed or official receipts from the cemetery, they contacted the cemetery to find out why.
The victims -- most of whom paid between $500 and $600 -- were told that they had no record of the purchases.
Investigators suspect the former caretaker who took these orders simply pocketed the money.
Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic spoke with the treasurer, Kimberly Vorpe, who assured her that those who paid will get their plots.
Vorpe said since police first alerted people to the scam on Friday, they’ve received more calls from suspected victims. The farthest back is 2006.
According to Vorpe, the former caretaker resigned and left in October.
Anyone who believes they could be a victim is asked to contact the Kittanning Cemetery at 724-548-2194.