Catholic Diocese sues precious metals dealer
4/9/2013The Catholic Diocese of Toledo filed suit in Lucas County Common Pleas court Monday against a Sylvania precious metals dealer alleging the business refuses to return a chalice and ciborium stolen from two area churches.
The diocese claims that on Dec. 19, Toledo Coin Exchange, Inc., 5590 Monroe St., purchased a gold ciborium — a covered cup used for holding Communion hosts — that had been stolen from St. Patrick’s Church in Toledo and a solid silver, gold-plated chalice stolen from St. Joseph’s Church in Maumee.
The business “knew or should have known that the person from whom he purchased the stolen items was either a thief or a receiver of stolen property,” the complaint states. While police notified Toledo Coin Exchange that the items were stolen, the lawsuit states, the business to date has refused to return them.
The diocese is asking the court to order Toledo Coin Exchange to return the items and award “reasonable attorney fees” and damages in excess of $25,000. The case has been assigned to Judge Linda Jennings.
Toledo Coin Exchange owner Clyde Englehardt could not be reached for comment. The business is closed on Mondays, according to its Web site.