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. The 64-year-old is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 28.
Prosecutors say the desecration at the historic cemetery occurred between 2003 and 2009.Two brothers have been found guilty in the case. 51-year-old Keith Nicks is sentenced to six years in prison and 44-year-old Terrance to three.
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. She is serving a 12-year sentence.