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Thursday, 10 April 2014 10:56

Pastor Convicted of Trying to Sell Fake Damien Hirst Paintings

Damien Hirst in front of one of his spot paintings. Damien Hirst in front of one of his spot paintings.

A Florida pastor was convicted in New York on Tuesday, April 8, of trying to sell forged artworks to an undercover detective for $185,000. Kevin Sutherland, 46, told the detective that the works were by the British contemporary artist Damien Hirst.

Sutherland, who dabbles in art dealing, had brought an alleged Hirst painting to Sotheby’s in Manhattan in December 2012. After attempting to authenticate the painting, Hirst’s London studio, Science Ltd., said that it was a fake. The auction house contacted the district attorney’s office and an undercover detective emailed Sutherland to inquire about Hirst works for sale. Sutherland offered the detective five Hirst pieces, which he insisted were authentic. He was arrested on February 7 last year when he met the detective and accepted cash for the forged works. Sutherland said that he had previously sold 10 to 12 artworks.

Sutherland was convicted by a jury in the State Supreme Court of attempted grand larceny in the second degree and faces up to seven years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 19.

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