The FBI is asking for help in returning dozens of stolen antique maps and books to their rightful owners.
According to the FBI the artifacts have been in FBI custody since 2006, when an antiques dealer was caught stealing from the Yale University library and subsequently arrested.
Edward Forbes Smiley III confessed to stealing and selling almost 100 rare maps from collections around the world. The stolen merchandise totaled around $3 million, and investigators have only been able to return about half of it.
FBI officials are still in possession of 57 artifacts dating back to the 17th century. Investigators have posted photos of the artifacts on the FBI website in an effort to help their owners identify the antiques and reclaim them.
Smiley was arrested in 2006 after reportedly a number of antique maps from the Yale library. Smiley pleaded guilty to stealing at least one map and was convicted of first-degree larceny.
According to the New York Times, Smiley graduated from Hampshire College with a degree in church history and attended the Princeton Theological Seminary for a year.
If you believe one of the stolen items was taken from your collection, contact FBI Special Agent MacNamara at 203-503-5268 or email artwork@ic.fbi.gov.
Photo Credit: FBI
