MANISTIQUE — Two Escanaba residents were arraigned recently for vandalizing 15 tombstones in Lakeview Cemetery in Manistique in September.

Manistique Public Safety Officers arrested Rachel Ann Scott, 18, and Cutter Lee Norman, 18, both of Escanaba.

Manistique Public Safety Director Kenneth Golat said destruction of the gravestones was disturbing and was taken very seriously by investigators.

Both Scott and Norman were charged with malicious destruction of tombs and memorials – $200 or more but less than $1,000, which is a misdemeanor offense. They were both arraigned in Schoolcraft District Court on Friday, Dec. 7.

The vandalism was reported to police on Sept. 17. Fifteen tombstones located in the southeast corner of the cemetery were knocked over. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

Golat said heavy equipment was used to upright the tombstones. The tombstones were chipped and the surrounding lawn damaged.

Scott’s bond was set at 10 percent of $2,000. Norman posted a $2,000 personal recognizance bond. The next court hearing for Scott and Norman has not been scheduled, but will occur in January.

Escanaba Public Safety Department assisted in the investigation.