[MSN] A judge is giving a former antiques dealer who staged fake appraisals on the PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" until next month to pay restitution for a Bucks County woman's heirlooms.

[MSN]

Former antiques dealer ordered to pay restitution in Pa. theft

7:12 AM EST, February 28, 2008


A judge is giving a former antiques dealer who staged fake appraisals on the
PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" until next month to pay restitution for a
Bucks County woman's heirlooms.

That's when sentencing will be scheduled for Russell Pritchard III, of
Manahawkin, N.J. The 44-year-old Pritchard is accused of auctioning
furniture and other items for Sandra Udinson, of Plumstead Township, and
failing to hand over more than $6,800 in proceeds. He pleaded to the charges
yesterday in Bucks County Court.

County Judge David Heckler said restitution is his main concern at
sentencing. If he doesn't pay up, the judge said he "will end up in jail."

Pritchard awaits sentencing on similar charges in Montgomery County. He
earlier served six months in prison after pleading guilty in federal court
in 2002 to staging phony appraisals of two Civil War swords on "Antiques
Roadshow."

Pritchard had been partners with former Allentown resident George Juno, who
also had been an appraiser on the PBS television series "Antiques Roadshow,"
before their misconduct was exposed.

Pritchard and his father, Russell Pritchard Jr., also were previously
convicted of stealing a valuable Confederate uniform from a distance cousin
in 2002. Russell Pritchard Jr. had been the longtime director of the Civil
War Library and Museum in Philadelphia.

-- Reporting by the Associated Press

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