(AP) — A 41-year-old Columbus man who stole ornamental vases and military veterans nameplates from graves has been given up to eight years in prison.

Steven Bequette was sentenced last week in Platte County District Court.

Online court records say Bequette had pleaded no contest to drug possession and to attempted theft. He was given 20 to 60 months on the theft charge and 18 to 36 months for the drugs. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

A prosecutor says at least 40 families were victimized by the graveyard thefts. Police say a scrap metal yard worker reported that the yard bought more than 200 pounds of brass from Bequette last summer.