CAMDEN, N.J. – A brazen art thief has been brought to justice in Camden federal court. William C. Reed III, 42, of Rock Hall, Maryland, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing at least 40 pieces of art and selling them in Southern New Jersey.
Reed, a former caretaker, worked for an art collector and dealer in Rock Hall, where he had access to an eclectic collection of fine art by American and European artists. Between June 2014 and November 2014, Reed stole various works of art from his client’s property without permission and sold them at various locations, including a pawn shop in Salem, New Jersey, and to an individual in Chestertown, Maryland.
Reed pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler sentenced Reed to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $92,240.
Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI’s Art Crime Team with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Richardson represented the government in the case.
Reed’s defense counsel, Lisa Lewis Esq., of Camden, argued on his behalf. The Rock Hall Police Department provided assistance in the case.
The case is a reminder of the importance of protecting our cultural heritage. The FBI’s Art Crime Team works tirelessly to investigate and prosecute crimes involving stolen art and cultural property.
In related news, the FBI is urging anyone with information about stolen art to come forward. If you have any information, please contact the FBI’s Art Crime Team at (202) 278-2000.
**Mandatory Facts:**
**Defendant/Respondent:** William C. Reed III
**Criminal Charges:** Interstate transportation of stolen property
**City and State:** Camden, New Jersey
**Date:** November 2015
**Sentence/Outcome:** 12 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, $92,240 restitution
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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