ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County investigators are asking for help locating three people accused of traveling to cemeteries and stealing items placed with cremated remains.
Authorities allege targeted thefts from niches
Detectives say the suspects forcefully opened niches that hold urns and removed family heirlooms — including jewelry — that grieving relatives had left with loved ones. The alleged thefts have prompted outrage among families who believed those resting places were secure.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified the three people wanted on warrants as Drake Lee Milam, 33; Porsche Bancroft, 32; and Angela Garrett, 52. Investigators say the trio can be extradited back to Florida to face charges.
Scope of the investigation and interstate ties
State investigators report at least 20 incidents in Florida that may be connected to this group, though officials believe the number of affected families could be larger. Authorities say the suspects are thought to live in Indianapolis and may have committed similar crimes in as many as nine states, according to the agency handling the case.
The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has taken charge of the investigation, coordinating with local law enforcement to pursue leads and process warrants.
Reward and how to report tips
Central Florida Crimeline is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 800-423-TIPS (8477).
- Suspects: Drake Lee Milam, 33; Porsche Bancroft, 32; Angela Garrett, 52.
- Reported cases in Florida: at least 20.
- Possible multi-state incidents: suspected in about nine states.
- Reward: up to $5,000 through Central Florida Crimeline.
What investigators urge families to do
Officials are urging relatives of people with cremated remains to check the condition of niches and any personal items left there. Because investigators believe items taken may have been stolen for quick resale, law enforcement emphasizes that small, sentimental objects such as rings and lockets are often the target.
Families who discover evidence of tampering are asked not to disturb the scene and to contact local police so investigators can collect potential forensic evidence.
| Suspect | Age | Reported location |
|---|---|---|
| Drake Lee Milam | 33 | Orange County investigators say he is believed to live in Indianapolis |
| Porsche Bancroft | 32 | Believed Indianapolis resident |
| Angela Garrett | 52 | Believed Indianapolis resident |
Community reaction and broader concerns
Grave-site thefts carry a particular emotional weight because they affect families during mourning. Victims told investigators they placed items with the deceased as part of healing and remembrance; losing those objects compounds an already painful experience.
Because the reported pattern suggests the same suspects may be traveling to multiple jurisdictions, authorities have emphasized interagency cooperation. The Attorney General’s Office has jurisdiction to coordinate prosecutions that cross county or state lines, which officials say is necessary when suspects are mobile.
Anyone with possible video, photos, or other evidence that might show the suspects, their vehicles, or suspicious activity near mausoleums or columbariums is asked to contact investigators or submit tips to Central Florida Crimeline.
Information that can help law enforcement includes descriptions of people seen near cemetery buildings, license-plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and the times and locations of any observed suspicious behavior. Tipsters can call 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Authorities remind the public not to approach anyone believed to be involved in criminal activity and to report sightings immediately to the appropriate law-enforcement agency.
Reporting on this case will continue as investigators develop leads and pursue the outstanding warrants.
