WESTPORT (AP) — Police have arrested a Taunton man suspected of stealing almost 200 brass vases from burial plots at a Sharon cemetery and selling them to a scrap metal dealer.

Jason Howard was apprehended Saturday while police say he was trying to sell 20 vases worth about $200 each at a Westport scrap yard. He was charged with larceny and receiving stolen property .

Police say Howard received almost $12,000 since he began bringing the vases to the scrap yard in April.

Authorities say Howard told police he even walked through Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery with flowers in his hand so he did not look suspicious.

Police found empty bags believed to have contained heroin as well as hypodermic needles in Howard’s vehicle when he was arrested. He is awaiting arraignment.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.