FLORENCE – In an interview with the Quad-Cities Daily, Investigator Cliff Billingsley said that Emerson claims that she had permission from the victims to take these items from the grave sites. None of the victims have come forward at this moment claiming they had given Emerson permission to take these ornaments from their loved ones graves.
Emerson is currently out on a bond of $1,500, and police say that additional charges are likely though at this time there are no further pending charges. She has currently been charged with Felony Theft of Property. Emerson’s preliminary court date will be held on March 3rd.
Brandie Lynn Grimes-Emerson, 39, of Sunset Valley Road in Muscle Shoals was arrested on Thursday, January 16, after investigators received several tips connecting her to the thefts of items from graves. Emerson has also been connected to thefts in Lauderdale, Lawerence, Limestone, Colbert Counties, and possibly Lincoln County Tennessee. The cemeteries believed to be hit by the Grave Robber are Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Lauderdale County Greenview Cemetery in Lauderdale County and Oakwood Cemetery in Colbert County.
Emerson listed these stolen Items on multiple online auctions as well as being sold at flea markets in
Limestone and Lawrence counties. Items suck as statues, stone benches, solar walkway lights, and silk and plastic flowers. After police and investigators searched Emerson’s home and property, they recovered many of the stolen items and have been vigilantly searching for the owners posting dozens of photographs on Facebook and spreading the word through social media. Florence police are asking the public that if you believe you may have purchased any of these stolen goods to contact them.
