Man Gets Probation After Pleading Guilty to Stealing Chalice From Church

A man who stole a gold chalice from Sts. Ann and Joachim Catholic Church in June pleaded guilty Oct. 4 to second-degree burglary and felony stealing.

Sean McDonald, 20, of the 900 block of Cottontail Lane in St. Charles County, was given a suspended sentence and five years probation. If he violates probation, McDonald can be sentenced for the burglary and theft.

As a condition of his probation, McDonald must complete a court-sponsored mental health program and cannot possess or use alcohol.

The chalice, gold-plated over silver, is valued at $6,000. McDonald also took money from collection boxes at Sts. Joachim and Ann, 4112 McClay Road, and a set of golf clubs from the rectory garage, according to police reports.

Afterwards, McDonald turned himself in and confessed to the crime. He told police he felt guilty about the theft. He told police he decided to steal the chalice and cash after a night of heavy drinking. St. Peters Police already had recovered the chalice and developed McDonald as a suspect.

McDonald is a member of the Sts. Joachim and Ann parish.

The chalice, which had been sold to a gold buyer, was recovered and returned to the priest.

For more crime information on St. Peters Patch, see the following articles:

• Update: Police Recover Chalice Stolen from Sts. Joachim and Ann Church
• Man Charged with Breaking into House with 15-Year-Old at Home