WINCHESTER, Ind. (AP) -- An eastern Indiana funeral home owner is accused of stealing a wedding ring off a dead man's finger shortly before he was buried and selling it to a pawn shop for $75.

The (Muncie) Star Press reports Greg Thayer was charged Monday with theft. The 64-year-old operates a funeral home in Winchester.

A court document says a witness told authorities that Thayer asked him to open a burial vault following a graveside service on July 8 because he had "forgotten to do something." The witness said he saw Thayer open the casket and take the ring.

The document says Thayer told an Indiana State Police detective that he couldn't see something that valuable being buried. Authorities say the ring was recovered at a Richmond pawn shop.

A message seeking comment was left with Thayer's attorney.