Relics Returned To Mission
Eight of nine relics stolen from the San Buenaventura Mission have been returned. Ventura police returned some last night and the most valuable one this morning. They would not say where they found them. But police identified the suspect ,caught on Mission surveillance video, Friday October 12th.
Investigators say Edward Burgess is the same man who was cited the for breaking into a Mission maintenance van. The 26-year-old suspect was already in custody for an unrelated burglary at a Pacific View Mall cell phone kiosk.
Police say Burgess is a known drug addict who may have been trying to sell stolen items for drug money. Father Tom Elewaut says the relics are valued at about $600 dollars each. The Pastor says they will be returned to the Baptistry room in next couple of weeks when they have made sure the security is in place. But they may have to be submitted as evidence if the case goes to trial.
A St Vincent De Paul relic and a medallion are still missing. But in the wake of the theft ,someone who heard the news donated a relic of a Philadelphia Saint named John Newman to the mission.
