BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) – The last of four defendants accused of digging up graves, dumping human remains and reselling plots at a suburban Chicago cemetery has pleaded guilty to the charges.
Maurice Dailey, who was a backhoe operator at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, pleaded guilty Tuesday to desecration, removal of buried remains and removal of headstone charges.
Prosecutors said the desecration at the historic cemetery occurred between 2003 and 2009.
Two brothers have been found guilty in the case, with 51-year-old Keith Nicks sentenced to six years in prison and 44-year-old Terrance Nicks to three years in prison.
Prosecutors say the scheme was masterminded by the cemetery’s then-director, Carolyn Towns, and was prompted by the belief the facility was becoming overcrowded. Towns is serving a 12-year sentence.
Sentencing of the 64-year-old Dailey is scheduled for Aug. 28.
