Two men disguised as a UPS delivery worker broke into a Minneapolis artist’s North Loop studio in broad daylight last month and made off with 18 paintings and dozens of prints worth about $80,000, and police say the man now charged in the case turned out to be a fellow artist with an extensive criminal record.
The break-in targeted the North Loop studio of Minneapolis painter Leon Hushcha sometime between 6:45 and 7:15 a.m., according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and CBS Minnesota. Investigators say the thieves used the UPS disguise to get into the building without raising suspicion before making off with 18 paintings and roughly 40 to 50 prints.
Suspect Described as a Familiar Face in the Art World
Ricardo Andres Bassat, 56, of Minneapolis, was charged with felony burglary in connection with the theft, according to court records. Prosecutors describe Bassat as an "amateur artist" who is familiar with different styles of artwork and who has an extensive criminal history, though authorities have not detailed a motive beyond the apparent resale value of the stolen pieces.
Hushcha told CBS Minnesota he was stunned by the loss, saying he "didn’t know whether to laugh or cry" after realizing the scope of what had been taken from his studio.
Most of the Art Recovered in a St. Paul Storage Unit
Investigators tracked roughly $60,000 worth of the stolen art, 14 of the 18 paintings, to a storage locker in St. Paul, where they were recovered on July 10, according to the Star Tribune. Inside the same unit, detectives also found a portfolio of sketches signed "Bassat" and mail addressed to him, evidence that helped tie him to the theft.
Four paintings, roughly 80 prints, and several handmade platters remain missing, and Minneapolis police have not said whether they expect to recover the rest of the collection. Bassat was scheduled to appear in Hennepin County District Court to face the burglary charge.
