Waterloo Teen Charged With Vandalizing Grundy County Cemetery

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An 18-year-old from Waterloo is accused of vandalizing a rural Grundy County cemetery earlier this year.

Authorities have arrested Coletin Stevenson on a charge of first-degree criminal mischief following a lengthy investigation. Grundy County sheriff's officials said the charge is connected an incident on July 5, when more than 30 headstones were discovered either damaged or destroyed at Fredsville Lutheran Church Cemetery northeast of Dike.

Officials said the vandalism incident caused an estimated $73,000 damage to the cemetery.

Grundy County sheriff's officials said their investigation of the crime involved several search warrants being served. They announced Stevenson's arrest on Monday.

The charge against Stevenson is a Class C felony, which is punishable by a prison term of up to ten years and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000. Under Iowa code, a judge could also order Stevenson to pay restitution for the replacement or repair of the headstones.

Stevenson was booked into the Grundy County Jail in Grundy Center. Records show he was released from custody after posting bond.

Authorities said the vandalism incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grundy County Sheriff's Office at 319-824-6933.

The cemetery and Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church are located along 150th Street about nine miles west of Cedar Falls.

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