It was the biggest art heist in U.S. history, and now we're learning it has Philadelphia ties.
Police say they know who is responsible for stealing almost $600 million worth of art from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. But they are not identifying those crooks because the statute of limitations has expired.
It happened 23 years ago, in 1990. Two men reportedly dressed up as police officers and claimed they were investigating a disturbance at the museum.
The FBI thinks the thieves sold that art right here in Philadelphia.
"For the first time, we could say with a high degree of confidence, we've determined that in the year since the theft, the art was transported to Connecticut and to the Philadelphia area," FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers said.
The 13 pieces of art included works from Rembrandt and Vermeer. The FBI still doesn't know where the missing art is.
The agency has followed leads all over the world.
The museum is offering a $5-million reward for information that leads to the recovery of the missing pieces.
The FBI stressed that anyone with information about the artwork may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the museum directly or through a third party. Tips may also be submitted online at https://tips.fbi.gov.
The publicity campaign announced Monday includes a dedicated FBI website on the Gardner Museum theft, video postings on FBI social media sites, publicity on digital billboards in Philadelphia region, and a podcast. To view and listen to these items, link to the FBI's new website about the theft: www.FBI.gov/gardner.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:21:46 GMT
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:39 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:39:06 GMT
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:57:53 GMT
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Tuesday, May 14 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-14 17:18:57 GMT
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Authorities now say an early-morning shooting in Burlington County involved a police officer and a man he found in the street, both of whom were wounded.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:01:42 GMT
Thursday weather looks damp and stormy. It will be mild and muggy to start with spotty showers early followed by afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the upper 70s with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
