"Just A Scumbag" Says Oakland County Sheriff Of 'Funeral Bandit'
PONTIAC (WWJ) - Police and sheriff deputies are searching for a man they've dubbed the "Funeral Bandit," suspected of robbing at least 16 grieving families who were attending funerals.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard says investigators believe the thief found his victims through obituaries.
"He stole while they were at a funeral most of the time," said Bouchard. "So this is just a scumbag ... plain and simple."
Monday Todd Lloyd Griffin was named as a suspect in the break-in and robberies.
It is believed that Griffin targeted the grieving families - waiting for them to leave for the funeral and then break into and rob their home.
Odd thing is he didn't always take things of value.
"Yeah, really a heartless guy, thing he steals some very invaluable things in terms of monetary items but things that are irreplaceable to the families. You know, you have items that were carved by kids when they were little for their mom or their dad," said Bouchard.
"Absolutely meaningless on the open market but irreplaceable to a parent," Bouchard added.
The 44-year-old Griffin is on probation for larceny. Homes in Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Genesee, and Shiawassee counties were targeted.
Police say Griffin is still on the loose - anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP /(313) 922- 5000 or click on HERE.
