Heroin addict steals 39 paintings from Yale and New Haven institutions, trades art for drugs

A 53-year-old heroin addict stole approximately 39 paintings from multiple New Haven locations, including Yale University's Slifka Center for Jewish Life and the New Haven Free Public Library. The thief concealed artworks under his clothing before exchanging them for heroin at a drug house. Among the recovered pieces were 31 identified paintings, including works by David Gelernter and his son Daniel. David Gelernter was previously injured by the Unabomber. The stolen paintings lacked security protection, simply hanging on walls. The incident was reported by the New Haven Independent on March 24, 2009.