Brian R. Walshe, Warhol Painting Theft, Massachusetts 2018

Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Two Andy Warhol Paintings

Brian R. Walshe, 46, a Lynn man, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud, possession of converted goods, and unlawful monetary transaction.

Walshe was arrested in May 2018 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2021.

According to the investigation, Walshe initially gained access to the paintings through a friend who purchased them in South Korea. Walshe convinced his friend to let him take the paintings, which he then attempted to sell on eBay for $100,000.

However, the buyer became suspicious when he discovered that the paintings did not have the expected authentication stamps. He contacted Walshe, but the defendant made excuses and failed to provide a refund.

Walshe’s scheme was eventually uncovered, and he was charged with multiple counts of fraud and theft.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The charge of interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The charge of possession of converted goods provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The charge of unlawful monetary transaction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

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