[meteorite-list] ARREST MADE in break in and meteorite theft.

From: Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:02:46 -0500
Message-ID: <CAKBPJW-D=nN8k=34zttypaYattTLqGZ3ckDv9D-Zegi964VW8g_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hi John and List,

Great news! Karma is a b*tch. I hope they get what they deserve.
But, more importantly, I hope all of the specimens were recovered in
good condition. The specimens are the main point here, so if they are
recovered, then this is a good ending.

As Mendy said, fencing certain stolen items is easy. And
historically, selling stolen meteorites has been difficult for the
thieves. But, with the ascent of eBay and the proliferation of new,
small, unknown sellers offering meteorites (some using legit offerings
as cover for questionable offerings), it is now easier to sell dubious
specimens. One can take a recognizable rare slice and cut it down
into less-recognizable small part-slices and sell them off one by one
that way. Facebook is a sales venue as well, and a lot of bogus
stones are being offered there.

But, thankfully, most criminals of this kind are stupid. They make
mistakes. And these circus clowns got caught.

Best regards,

MikeG

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On 12/30/12, Mendy Ouzillou <ouzillou at yahoo.com> wrote:
> Great news indeed. We'll probably never know but I would like to know what
> motivated the theft of the meteorites. Electronics are easy to sell,
> meteorites not so much.
>
> Best,
>
> Mendy Ouzillou
>
> On Dec 30, 2012, at 12:38 PM, Stuart McDaniel
> <actionshooting at carolina.rr.com> wrote:
>
> That is awesome! Crime don't pay!
>
> Stuart McDaniel
> .....(mobile)......
>
>
>
> On Dec 30, 2012, at 14:03, J Sinclair <john at meteoriteusa.com> wrote:
>
>> Dear Collectors and Dealers.
>>
>> Thank you to everyone that has helped in getting the word out about
>> the break in and theft at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.
>> The Sheriff's Department has released information that meteorites and
>> other items have been recovered. No details yet on the extent of the
>> recovery.
>> THANK YOU AGAIN!
>>
>> John Sinclair
>> Curator of Meteorites
>> Research Affiliate
>> Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
>> One PARI Drive
>> Rosman, NC 28772
>> jsinclair at pari.edu
>> www.pari.edu
>>
>> Below is the release from the Transylvania County Sheriff's Dept:
>>
>> The Transylvania County Sheriff?s Office has identified and charged
>> two individuals involved in the breaking and entering of Pisgah
>> Astronomical Research Institute.
>> The two individuals are:
>>
>> Robin Morris Baldwin Jr.
>> Age 30
>> Hendersonville, N.C.
>>
>> Brian Thomas Koontz
>> Age 29
>> Balsam Grove, N.C.
>>
>> In the early morning hours of 12/24/2012 individuals entered the
>> facility and took items such as monitors, televisions, and projectors.
>> The individuals also took meteorites that were on display at the
>> Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.
>>
>> Transylvania County Sheriff?s Office had asked the media for its
>> assistance in identifying three individuals that visited Pisgah
>> Astronomical Research Institute on 12/21/2012 as they were considered
>> persons of interest.
>> The investigation led to one of the above listed names.  Through
>> investigators diligent work most of the property including meteorites
>> were recovered.
>>
>> The above listed individuals have been each charged with Felony
>> Breaking and Entering, Conspiring to Breaking and Entering, Felony
>> Larceny, Conspiring to Commit Larceny, Misdemeanor Injury to Personal
>> Property.
>> Brian Koontz was served the above listed warrants by Transylvania
>> County Deputies.  Koontz is currently in custody at the Transylvania
>> County Detention Facility under a ten thousand (10,000) dollar secured
>> bond.
>> Robin Morris Baldwin Jr. is still at large. It is thought he is still
>> in Henderson County.
>>
>> If the public has information on Baldwin?s current location please
>> contact the Transylvania County Sheriff?s Office at 828-884-3168 or
>> Crime Stoppers Hotline at 828-862-7463.
>> Information may also be submitted from the Transylvania County
>> Sheriff?s Office web page at www.tcsonc.org
>>
>> Transylvania County Sheriff?s Office along with Pisgah Astronomical
>> Research Institute would like to thank all media outlets who received
>> the initial press release and covered the story.  We would also like
>> to thank all concerned citizens who phoned in with information.
>>
>> Detective Wade Abram
>> Transylvania County Sheriff?s Office
>> Criminal Investigation Division
>> 153 Public Safety Way
>> Brevard, North Carolina 28712
>> 828-884-3210 Office
>> 828-884-3168 Front Desk
>> 828-884-3401 Fax
>> wabram at tcsonc.org email
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Received on Sun 30 Dec 2012 06:02:46 PM PST