Receiver appointed in Ohio treasure dispute

5/29/2013

COLUMBUS — A judge in central Ohio has appointed a receiver to take over the companies of a treasure hunter who is considered a fugitive in a years-long dispute over a millions of dollars in gold.

Tommy Thompson and an assistant are being sought by federal marshals in the case, which began when he used investors’ money to raise gold worth an estimated $52 million from the wreck of the SS Central America in 2000.

His investors, who kicked in $12.7 million, got nothing, and multiple lawsuits ensued.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that a judge in Franklin County issued the receivership decision last week, saying the companies are in “great disarray.” The judge said the plan should include the feasibility of trying to recover more treasure from the shipwreck.