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Burr Oak Cemetery Workers Accused of Digging Graves and Reselling Plots

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Dec 3, 2009 at 8:53 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 3, 2009 at 8:53 PM CDT

More problems have surfaced for a suburban Chicago cemetery.

The Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip was closed earlier this year after workers were accused of digging up hundreds of graves in a scheme to resell the burial plots.

After re-opening on Wednesday, officials said cemetery officials have started to dig new graves and found remains. Cemetery workers have also found caskets and bones, with no paperwork to help them determine who they were.

"If we find something in the grave we contact the sheriff's office, and we notify him that we've discovered something in the grave and then we proceed with trying to resolve that issue," Roman Szabelski said.

"He cannot continue to put people through this torture of saying let's go bury your loved ones, then when they're digging the hole, wow, there's someone there already," Tom Dart said.

The Cook County Sheriff's office says if any more remains are found, the cemetery will be closed again, to spare more families from having to make a second set of burial plans.

Next article Citizens Brainstorm at the Community Call to Action

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Friday, Dec 4 at 11:31 PM jon wrote ...

You can make this story about race ..... Cause it's black on Black crimes ..... and they call themself brothas

Friday, Dec 4 at 7:54 PM Pooky wrote ...

Sorry but examples need to be made these scum bags should get life in prison for this crime . They were in it for $$$$$$$ Money and nothing else ....... This has been going on for years .....

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