Florida authorities say three suspects, dubbed "tomb raiders," traveled the East Coast stealing jewelry and valuables from transparent cemetery niches holding cremated remains. Angela Garrett was arrested on August 18 and charged with multiple offenses; Drake Milam and Porsche Bancroft were detained the next day. Investigators link the group to at least 20 incidents in Florida and to crimes in several other states, and they continue to urge potential victims to come forward.
Florida 'Tomb Raiders' Arrested After Multistate Jewelry Thefts From Cemetery Niches
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Florida law enforcement has identified and arrested three people accused of traveling along the U.S. East Coast to steal jewelry and other valuables from cemetery niches that held cremated remains.
Alleged Scheme
On August 13, 2026, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that investigators were pursuing a group it labeled "tomb raiders." Detectives say the suspects targeted niches with transparent panels that display cremains, not to steal urns but to remove sentimental jewelry and other valuables placed beside them.
Suspects and Scope
Authorities have identified the suspects as Drake Lee Milam, his girlfriend Porsche Bancroft, and Bancroft's mother, Angela Garrett. Law enforcement believes the group originated in Indianapolis and traveled to at least nine states. Investigators have linked the trio to at least 20 incidents in Florida alone.
Investigation and Arrests
The Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution took over the case, and Central Florida Crimeline offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrests. On August 18, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that Angela Garrett had been arrested and charged with injuring or removing a tomb or monument, disturbing the contents of a grave or tomb, and grand theft over $20,000, among other possible charges. The following day the sheriff's office reported on X that Drake Milam and Porsche Bancroft were also in custody.
Victims, Impact and Evidence
Reportedly stolen items include watches, rings, necklaces and other personal valuables. Investigators believe additional victims may exist and are encouraging anyone who finds a disturbed niche or missing items to contact local law enforcement.
Cherlette McCullough, a licensed mental health counselor, told Fox 35 Orlando that crimes like these can deepen the trauma for grieving families: "They get to this place of safety, and this type of crime can make them feel like their safety is no longer there."
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate and ask families to check memorials and report any evidence of tampering. Recovered items and the outcome of the prosecutions have not been fully detailed publicly as the case proceeds.
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