By admin 
PALMETTO, Fla. (WFLA) — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of gravesite vandalism after numerous burial plots were damaged.
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Deputies said they found 17 gravesites at the Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, Florida, showing signs of damage, with headstones being broken or toppled over, gravesites being spray-painted, and the concrete being damaged.
“I’m angry. Elected officials need to make sure something gets done about this. Law enforcement needs to make sure there’s a full investigation,” said Tracy Washington, who has family at the cemetery.
The vandalism is believed to have happened within the past few weeks.
According to the Historical Marker Database, Old Memphis Cemetery is known to be the resting place of many Black Americans who worked at area farms, groves and packing houses.
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A vandalized gravesite with graffiti that appears to say “Trump” at the Old Memphis Cemetery (WFLA) 
A broken burial vault at the Old Memphis Cemetery (WFLA) 
A broken burial vault at the Old Memphis Cemetery (WFLA) 
A damaged gravesite at the Old Memphis Cemetery (WFLA)
It was full in 1977 and entered under the county government’s care in 1988.
The New Memphis Cemetery now serves as a public cemetery for those who cannot afford a plot.
“Turn yourself in because it’s not right what you did,” said Stacey Sailes-Rhodes, who has family at the cemetery.
No arrests have been made in the case at this time. If you have information on the incident, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011. Anonymous tips can be eligible for a cash reward by calling Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or visiting ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.
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