A man used a mechanical digger to break into a museum owned by his father, pioneering fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, in an attempt to steal 90 paintings worth more than US$20 million (€13.6 million).
Pennsylvania state police charged Alfonso Frazetta (52) with theft, burglary and trespass after he was caught loading the artwork into his trailer and SUV.
Frank Frazetta (81) is renowned for his work on characters including Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan and Vampirella. He was in Florida at the time of the theft.
His son’s motive may stem from a family feud over the master illustrator’s assets, according to a law enforcement source.
Alfonso Frazetta was arraigned and sent to the Monroe County jail. Bail was set at $500,000 (€342,000).
Police said Frazetta and another man used the digger to enter the Frazetta Art Museum in the Pocono Mountains region on Wednesday afternoon, tripping a burglar alarm.
Frank Frazetta’s lawyer, Gerard Geiger, said the stolen paintings were insured for $20 million, according to court documents.
Police said charges were pending against a second suspect.
PA