Man held in Vt. in sale of stolen van Gogh sketch

[September 23, 2010]  UNDERHILL, Vt. (AP) -- A man wanted in connection with a stolen drawing believed to be by Vincent van Gogh has been arrested in Vermont.

Authorities say the Abilene, Texas, man is wanted in New Mexico for selling the $1 million sketch of van Gogh's painting "The Night Cafe," which shows a nearly empty cafe with a few customers seated at tables along the walls.

The sketch turned up at a New Mexico antiques shop after being stolen from a home in 2009. Police say they believe the man sold it to the shop for $250.

A warrant was issued for the man's arrest after he didn't go to court. The man was arrested Aug. 20 on charges of occupying an abandoned camp, burglary and possession of stolen property.

WCAX-TV says it's unclear when he'll be returned to New Mexico to face charges.

[Associated Press]

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