The Archdiocese of Chicago is suing several members of a west suburban parish who, a new lawsuit alleges, took jewelry and other adornments from the church valued at more than $100,000.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court against three members of the Society of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, based in Melrose Park.
The Archdiocese alleges that some time “prior to and during 2013,” dozens of gold rings, chains, crosses, crowns, broaches and several statue adornments were taken from the church by the three parishioners.
The combined value of the items taken “is not ascertainable; however, it is in excess of $100,000,” the suit stated.
Despite several verbal and written requests from the church to return the items, the property has not been returned, the suit stated.
A representative from the Society of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
The complaint is asking the court to order the return of the items to the parish.