The operator of a Northside cemetery that has become overgrown and strewn with debris was found guilty of two counts of theft and one count of failing to maintain a cemetery endowment care fund Wednesday.

        A Hamilton County jury deliberated for more than six hours before convicting Robert Merkle, 62, an unordained Methodist minister. He was convicted of looting Wesleyan Cemetery's maintenance and upkeep fund of $93,000 between 1995 and 1999.

Merkle

        Because the Northside cemetery had no money for upkeep, the grounds fell into disrepair, prompting relatives of those buried there to mow the grass and remove debris.

        Visiting Judge John O'Connor ordered Mr. Merkle, who is still president of the cemetery corporation, detained in the Hamilton County Justice Center until sentencing June 24.

        As he was led away Wednesday by sheriff's deputies, Mr. Merkle said he planned to appeal the conviction based on new evidence that had been discovered. He would not talk about his new evidence.

        During trial, the prosecution had argued that Mr. Merkle stole money from the endowment to pay his and his family's personal expenses.

        Mr. Merkle could face 2 1/2 years in prison.

        Survivors of those buried at Wesleyan were overjoyed with the verdict, saying that they would now turn their attention to getting new management for the historic burial ground.

        Edna Sanders, of Northside, said she has numerous relatives buried at the cemetery, but hopes to have their bodies exhumed and moved somewhere else.

        “I'm so pleased,” she said after the verdict. The jury “did a good job.”

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