Two Held After Police Recover $700,000 in Chinese Artifacts
Police recovered up to $700,000 worth of Chinese artifacts stolen from a Palos Verdes Estates house two months ago, but declined to arrest a young man who allegedly took the items from the burglars.
In an arrangement with detectives, the 20-year-old man was not prosecuted because police said they do not have a strong case against him, police said.
Meanwhile, two other men faced charges of armed robbery, false imprisonment and conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 9 theft of Chinese Ming Dynasty artifacts from the home.
George Garcia, 20, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested Feb. 23 after police raided a hotel room in El Segundo and found some of the stolen items, police said.
Police said they were led to the pair by an anonymous tip. They then began searching for the unidentified 20-year-old, who officers believed stole the artifacts from the two men.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
