Stolen painting recovered in Sacramento

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Detectives from South Lake Tahoe Department (SLTPD) posing as potential buyers on Craigslist have uncovered a painting stolen from a gallery in the Heavenly Village.

On Saturday December 9, SLTPD received a report of a stolen painting from Pacific Crest Gallery. The painting, Three Bears Playing Golf, valued at $1195, was taken from the stores front sidewalk display by an unknown suspect.

Through some diligent work by the Gallery staff, a possible match to the stolen painting was located on a Craigslist ad in Sacramento. SLTPD Detectives contacted the seller, posing as a potential buyer. The painting was serialized and it was confirmed to be the stolen painting. After negotiating a price of $1000 for the painting, a meeting was set up. With the assistance of El Dorado County District Attorney Investigators, SLTPD Detectives met the seller at his residence in Sacramento. The exchange was made and the suspect was detained.

The suspect, whose name is being withheld at this time, is cooperating and how they came into possession of the painting is still under investigation. The painting will be returned to the Gallery and was undamaged during the theft and recovery.