Alleged seller of phony art held

An Irvine man was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and accused of selling fraudulent artwork by British artist Damien Hirst on EBay. Vincent Lopreto, 42, allegedly sold forgeries of Hirst’s pieces titled “Opium,” “LSD” and “Valium,” said Police Lt. Rick Handfield.

Investigators traced $300,000 in sales, but authorities believe there may be more, Handfield said.

Lopreto was allegedly selling the phony art for $3,000 to $5,000 apiece.

Handfield said a California gallery purchased 20 fake prints.