Mid-City Pawn Shop Owner Indicted for Art Theft

An illustration capturing the moment of art theft in a pawn shop

News Summary

Glenn Steven Bednarsh, a pawn shop owner in Mid-City, Los Angeles, has been indicted for attempting to sell a stolen Andy Warhol print worth $175,000. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced serious charges against him, including conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The scheme unraveled when an auction house employee identified the print as stolen. Bednarsh, along with an accomplice, faces legal repercussions as the case develops in court.

Mid-City Pawn Shop Owner Indicted in Andy Warhol Print Scheme

Mid-City, Los Angeles has found itself at the center of a shocking crime story involving art theft and conspiracy. Glenn Steven Bednarsh, a 58-year-old pawn shop owner, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly trying to sell a stolen Andy Warhol print that is worth a staggering $175,000. This scandal has the local community talking as it navigates the depths of this surprising art world heist.

Background of the Case

Bednarsh, originally from Farmington, Michigan, previously called Beverly Hills home before moving to his current location. While many might view pawn shops as a mix of treasure troves and places to find a good deal, this incident brings to light the darker side of buying and selling art. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently announced the serious charges against Bednarsh, which include conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods.

The Stolen Print and Its Journey

The drama all began back in February 2021 when Bednarsh reportedly purchased a trial proof Andy Warhol print featuring the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin for a mere $6,000. What he may not have known at the time is that this artwork had been reported stolen, making its value skyrocket to around $175,000.

As things unfolded, Bednarsh allegedly teamed up with another person, Brian Alec Light, who hails from Hudson, Ohio. This dubious duo concocted a plan to sell the stolen print. Light took the lead by contacting a Dallas-based auction house through its Beverly Hills office, suggesting they could help in making the sale happen.

From Beverly Hills to Texas: A Flawed Plan

In March 2021, Bednarsh took a trip to deliver the Warhol print to the auction house in Beverly Hills, which would later ship the item to Texas. But in the world of high-stakes art, the old saying still holds true: “There’s no honor among thieves.” Light then electronically signed a consignment agreement and even nudged for a cash advance for the stolen artwork.

The Exposé

But the scheme didn’t stay under the radar for long. The plot unraveled when an observant employee at the auction house sought a second opinion from a well-regarded gallery based in West Hollywood. This gallery quickly identified the artwork as stolen and raised the alarm, contacting both the auction house and the FBI. It was a classic case of a petty crime turned major faux pas.

Deception and Consequences

When the FBI started asking questions, things got even more tangled. Light, in a desperate attempt to cover his tracks, claimed he had stumbled upon the print at a garage sale for $18,000 and even produced a fake receipt to back up his story. Meanwhile, Bednarsh also fed false information to federal agents, suggesting that he was merely storing the artwork for Light as a favor and had no intention of making a profit.

Light’s Plea and What’s Next

Fast forward to November 2024, and Light pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. His sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2025, and he could face up to ten years in federal prison. The wheels of justice are turning, and the FBI’s Art Crime Team is diligently working on piecing together the details of this puzzling case.

The Road Ahead for Bednarsh

As for Bednarsh, he is set to be arraigned in the coming weeks at the U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. As the story continues to unfold, many in Mid-City are watching closely, eager to see how this tale of art, crime, and ambition plays out in court.