Missing cemetery money uncovered

SMITHWICK, Texas (KXAN) - Taking advantage of the dead can come at a high price. When $60,000 went missing from the Smithwick cemetery fund, an outraged community made sure someone would pay.

Now, the cemetery association’s former treasurer, Joan Shafer, faces a third degree felony theft charge, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

On April 27, the cemetery association’s board members went to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office with the allegations and documentation of the missing money. An investigation revealed a financial gap, money meant to pay contractors and lawn care providers for cemetery upkeep.

Officials subpoenaed Shafer’s private bank account, showing she deposited $59,883.71 in checks from the Smithwick Cemetery Association from January 2007 to July 2008.

An arrest warrant went out for Shafer on Monday. Shortly after, deputies booked her into the Travis County Jail. Bond is set at $20,000.

KXAN first uncovered this story in May, when a wife of a cemetery board member spoke about the incident.

“You would never dream somebody would do such a thing,” said Judy Cox. “It’s, in my personal opinion, bordering on evil.”

Cox has several relatives buried in the cemetery, which is also a Texas Historic Commission site. More than 600 tombstones are within the hilltop area along FM 1431.

“If I had to say something to (the thief),” Cox said, “it’s just disgusting.”

Shafer never returned KXAN’s phone calls regarding the story.