The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested one person and is searching for another in connection with an art theft in Arabi.
According to the sheriff’s office, Michael Ostrager, 27, was identified in connection with the theft of a painting valued at $7,500.
Ostrager is currently in custody in New Orleans and will be booked into the St. Bernard Prison. He is facing charges of simple burglary and illegal possession of stolen things valued between $5,000 and $25,000.
The sheriff’s office is also searching for Harley Brown, 35, of New Orleans. He is facing the same charges, and is also known as Harley Phillips, according to the sheriff.
Brown was identified as a suspect after a stolen painting called “Dueling Oak New Orleans City Park,” was stolen from a business in Arabi.
The artwork was returned, and through video surveillance, deputies were able to identify Ostrager and Brown.
According to the sheriff’s office, the business alerted deputies to the missing art on Wednesday, March 25, but the theft is believed to have happened the week prior in the 7200 block of North Peters Street.
The sheriff said the painting took more than a year to complete.
According to deputies, multiple parts of the business had been defaced, and they believe this damage is connected to the theft.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Harley Brown, also known as Harley Phillips, or any information related to this incident is asked to contact the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office at 504-271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau tip hotline at 504-271-8477, or Crimestoppers GNO at 504-822-1111. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward through Crimestoppers.
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