[MSN] NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A suburban Philadelphia antiques dealer who was a regular on the popular PBS television series "Antiques Roadshow" has pleaded guilty to theft charges.

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'Antiques Roadshow' expert admits more thefts
Last Update: 8/30 2:12 pm  

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NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - A suburban Philadelphia antiques dealer who was a
regular on the popular PBS television series "Antiques Roadshow" has pleaded
guilty to theft charges. 

Russell Pritchard of Beach Haven, New Jersey, is accused of stealing more
than $100,000 from residents of Philadelphia's Main Line who hired him to
sell their expensive heirlooms. 

Pritchard owned the Bryn Mawr Auction Company in Lower Merion Township. 

He admitted taking furniture, paintings, silverware and china, then selling
the items but not paying the owners. When they went to complain, his store
was vacant. 

A prosecutor says the Montgomery County District Attorney's office will ask
a judge to sentence Pritchard to prison. He could receive a sentence of as
much as 12 to 24 years. 

Pritchard pleaded guilty several years ago to a 21-count federal indictment
charging him with fraud related to Civil War artifacts. He was also charged
with making phony appraisals on the TV series. He got one year in jail, was
ordered to repay more than $800,000, and was banned from the show. 

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Information from: Brad Segall/KYW-AM, http://www.kyw1060.com  


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