By 
The Watertown Police Department responded to reports of vandalism at a Watertown business on Tuesday, April 22, at 8 a.m. Windows had been broken with both rocks and statuary. While the investigating officer was in the vicinity of Mount Hope Cemetery, she was notified of a suspicious male. The officer made contact with 29-year-ol Michael Ortiz of Minnesota. Oritz had in his possession parts of the sanctuary that was used to break the windows, along with other statues that police believe were headstone decorations from Mount Hope. Another business also reported window damage as contact was being made with Ortiz.
Michael Ortiz
Oritz was arrested and booked in the Codington County Detention Center on charges of Intentional Damage to Property.
Damage to the two businesses was estimated at approximately $3,100 total.
In a release, the Watertown Police Department said, “We are also asking for anyone with information pertaining to suspicious activity in and around Mt. Hope Cemetery over the last week to please contact the Patrol Supervisor with information at 605-882-6210.”
The public is also asked to help identify the owners of the cemetery decorations. Please contact the Patrol Supervisor to claim or to provide ownership details.
