Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Assistant Who Stole Millions in Art From Jasper Johns Sentenced to Prison and Pay Restitution

April 23, 2015 by Marion Maneker

Jasper Johns and James Meyer, Right
Jasper Johns, center, and James Meyer, Right

James Meyer was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $13m in resititution as well as forfeiting $3.9m in money he made from selling 83 works out of Jasper Johns’s studio. The former assistant expressed remorse for his actions but the judge wondered whether he was remorseful over the theft or having gotten caught.

In a presentence submission to the court, defense attorney Morris Fodeman asked for leniency, saying a Manhattan gallery owner persuaded Meyer over a three-year period to give up some of Johns’ works. He said the gallery owner eventually sold 37 works of art for $9.98 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Tehrani said in a presentence submission that a significant sentence was necessary “to protect the integrity of the art market and the livelihood and artistic control of those who contribute to it.”

The prosecutor said one buyer who agreed to return the artworks to Johns had spent over $7 million on them.

Prison for Jasper Johns Assistant Who Stole Art From Studio (ABC News)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • What Makes Art Stage Singapore So Different, So AppealingWhat Makes Art Stage Singapore So Different, So Appealing
  • Asia Society to Show Iranian Artists from 50s to 70sAsia Society to Show Iranian Artists from 50s to 70s
  • Man Sues Gallery for Making Fool of HimMan Sues Gallery for Making Fool of Him
  • Bonhams Touts Modern Works for London in JuneBonhams Touts Modern Works for London in June
  • A Gallery Grows in WashingtonA Gallery Grows in Washington
  • Ars Longa Capital BrevisArs Longa Capital Brevis

Filed Under: General

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...