Mission thief convicted

A Ventura County jury has convicted a man accused of stealing relics from the San Buenaventura Mission, finding 26-year-old Edward Burgess guilty of first-degree burglary.

In October, Burgess broke into the Baptism room near the priests’ living quarters. New surveillance cameras recorded Burgess taking nine relics and tasting a vase full of oil that he may have mistaken for wine.

Investigators recovered eight of relics and returned them to the church.

Burgess’ sentencing date will be set next week.