Cemetery Trespasser Arrested Again: Northwest Indiana Man Faces Third Offense

oddPhoto bySteven WeeksonUnsplash

In a bizarre turn of events, a 57-year-old man from Valparaiso, Jacob Keen, finds himself in familiar legal territory yet again after being apprehended for the third time at Graceland Cemetery in less than three years.

The incident unfolded last Friday afternoon when a concerned individual contacted authorities, reporting an unsettling sight at the cemetery located in the 1500 block of East Morthland Drive. According to reports, Keen was allegedly found asleep next to a gravestone when a Porter County deputy arrived on the scene.

Upon questioning, Keen reportedly confessed to his unauthorized presence at the cemetery and expressed a willingness to depart. However, this seemingly innocuous act of trespassing carries weighty consequences for Keen, given his history of transgressions at the same location.

This latest encounter marks the third instance of Keen's run-ins with the law at Graceland Cemetery. His previous brushes with legal trouble include an arrest for trespassing on December 16 and a more alarming incident on May 3, 2021. During the latter, Keen faced charges of public nudity and resisting law enforcement after purportedly engaging in indecent behavior, including urinating on gravestones.

Keen's recurrent appearances at the cemetery not only raise concerns about his well-being but also underscore the need for heightened vigilance and security measures at such sacred sites. The unsettling nature of these incidents serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the sanctity of final resting places and upholding the dignity of those laid to rest.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to address Keen's repeated violations and prevent further disturbances in the peaceful tranquility of Graceland Cemetery.