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From:   [log in to unmask]
Date: 96-09-14 23:22:54 EDT

.c The Associated Press
      SANTA YSABEL, Calif. (AP) -- Investigators issued a nationwide
alert for three rare religious artifacts, including a 200-year-old
Kumeyaay Indian staff missing from the Santa Ysabel Indian Museum.
      Also stolen were a Bible brought from Spain in the 1700s and a
8-foot stole worn by the mission's founder 178 years ago.
      Investigators believe the treasures were taken between Aug. 24
and Sept. 7, and that the thief knew which items were the most
valuable, said Sgt. Don Crist, a sheriff's spokesman.
      The mission's small museum, about 40 miles northeast of San
Diego, is unattended during the day. An elder noticed the artifacts
were missing, and there was no sign of forced entry.
      The mission, established in 1818 by Franciscan priests to
convert Kumeyaay Indians, still is an active church.
      AP-NY-09-14-96 2320EDT
      Copyright 1996 The Associated Press.  The information
contained in the AP news report may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without
prior written authority of The Associated Press.


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