[MSN] Former Rockland historical society curator indicted in theft of rare atlas

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Former Rockland historical society curator indicted in theft of rare atlas
By STEVE LIEBERMAN
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original Publication: July 19, 2007)

NEW CITY - A former Historical Society of Rockland County curator was indicted today on a felony charge accusing her of stealing a rare book from the society and trying to sell it.

A grand jury charged Rebecca Streeter-Chen, 50, of New Jersey with second-degree grand larceny. The count covers the theft of property valued at more than $50,000.

She is accused of stealing an 1823 copy of "Tanner's New American Atlas" on April 22 from the historical society building in New City.

Streeter-Chen is accused of trying to sell the book for $60,000 on May 24 to an owner of the Philadelphia Print Shop, which collects and sells rare books.

Clarkstown police detectives were waiting in the back room when she came to the business. The owner had called the police when he learned that the book had been stolen and someone was offering to sell him a copy.

Streeter-Chen pleaded not guilty during her arraignment in Clarkstown Justice Court prior to the indictment.

Streeter-Chen, who is married with two children, is free on $5,000 bail. An arraignment in County Court on the charge has not been scheduled yet.

She worked full time for the Historical Society from the fall of 2004 to late 2006. During the same period, she also worked for the Trent House museum in Trenton, N.J. She was working for the Trent House at the time of her arrest.

Read more about this story tomorrow in The Journal News.

http://www.nyjournalnews.com