Man pleads guilty to stealing artwork

Robert Paul Tucker, the man police said stole artwork from his former employer, has pleaded guilty to somewhat reduced charges as part of a plea bargain. He will be sentenced Nov. 14 by 3rd District Judge Deno Himonas.

Tucker, 30, admitted guilt in connection with the disappearance of 18 giclee canvas reproductions that were taken from the Repartee Gallery in the downtown Salt Lake Deseret Book store in May. Tucker had worked at the gallery briefly during the previous year.

The value of the artwork that was stolen has been estimated at $15,000.

He has entered guilty pleas to third-degree felony burglary and third-degree felony theft (which was reduced from a second-degree felony).

Tucker has assisted law-enforcement officials in recovering most of the missing artwork.

He currently is in the Utah State Prison for parole violations in connection with another unrelated case.