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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
"It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT
It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
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