Article published August 02, 2007
Employee accused of taking gold scrap in Sylvania Township
Casting technician, 5 others charged
By ERICA BLAKE
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Charles Morgan worked at Dresch-Tolson Dental Labs as a casting technician, turning raw materials into dental crowns.
Yesterday, he was arraigned in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on charges that he stole gold left over from the crown-making process, giving the scraps to acquaintances, who, in turn, sold it at local gold and coin exchanges.
The scheme lasted more than 15 years and netted Mr. Morgan and his accomplices about $170,000, prosecutors allege.
Mr. Morgan, 51, of 1001 Byrne Rd., who is charged with aggravated theft, was arraigned before Judge Gary Cook, who ordered a recognizance bond.
Mr. Morgan could be sentenced to up to five years in prison, if he is convicted.
Also charged in the case were Stephen Mullen, Sharon Mullen, David Thomas, Patricia Kwapich, and Sandra Kwapich-King, who are each charged with receiving stolen property.
“Charles Morgan worked for the dental lab and stole scraps of gold,” said Assistant Prosecutor John Weglian after reviewing the case put together by Sylvania police detectives.
“He would give the gold to various people and have them redeem it at various gold exchanges.”
Ms. Mullen, 46, of 6054 Atwell Rd.; Ms. Kwapich, 41, of Liberty Center, Ohio, and Ms. Kwapich-King, of 3823 Wallwerth Drive, also were arraigned yesterday before Judge Cook.
They also were released on recognizance bonds.
If convicted, Ms. Mullen and Ms. Kwapich face up to 18 months in prison; Ms. Kwapich-King faces up to 1 year in jail.
Mr. Mullen, 50, of 5853 Clover Lane, and Mr. Thomas, 46, of 5600 Alexis Rd., failed to appear for their arraignments yesterday; warrants were issued for their arrest.
Mr. Morgan is no longer employed at Dresch-Tolson Dental Labs, 8730 Resource Park Drive, Sylvania Township, according to the company’s general manager, who did not give his name when reached by phone.
He added that the company, which formerly was located in Sylvania, plans to prosecute Mr. Morgan “to the fullest extent.” He said that the company had been unaware of the thefts until Sylvania police began their investigation.
According to court records, the thefts started as far back as 1991.
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