Suspected church thief nabbed in France
Pastor Dale Morgan
Suspected church thief nabbed in France*
The Associated Press
Thursday, June 19, 2008; 3:26 PM
PARIS -- A man suspected of stealing $15 million of historic treasures
from churches was arrested Thursday, officials said. The 30-year-old
suspect was taken into custody by police in Saint-Ouen, north of Paris,
after he allegedly asked an antiques dealer to sell an object stolen
from a church in Normandy, said Bernard Darties, deputy director of the
French police force that tracks thefts of cultural goods.
The investigation began after statues and other treasures disappeared
from Normandy churches starting in 2007. Some of the objects date back
to the 12th century.
"Usually, thieves take precautions, but in this case the objects were
snatched and damaged without respect," Darties said.
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The suspect confessed to 20 thefts in Normandy, Darties said, adding
that he is suspected in other regions as well. The man's name was not
released. Police said they believe he acted with one or more accomplices.
The man allegedly sold some of the stolen goods, including a Virgin Mary
statue worth $2.3 million, police said.
Darties said the suspect led police to a hiding place for other
treasures, including a bust of Christ as well as Virgin Mary statues.
The seven objects found there are estimated to be worth $9 million.