Aaron Sherman, of Toronto (left) was arrested yesterday by Toronto Police in relation to the gallery theft. The unidentified suspect on the right remains outstanding. Images: Toronto Police Service handout.

Toronto Police have made an arrest in connection with the Odon Wagner Gallery burglary two weeks ago, according to a police news release today.

Aaron Sherman, 43, of Toronto, was arrested yesterday and charged with break and enter, mischief, and two counts of failing to comply with probation.  Another suspect remains outstanding, and police have not recovered the three missing paintings, alleged to be valued at $73,000.

A January 2007 Toronto Police 53 division community bulletin issued by Staff Inspector Larry Sinclair mentions an Aaron Sherman, then 38, of no fixed address, having been arrested in relation to a remarkably similar crime, a smash-and-grab style burglary at a mid-town Toronto Blockbuster video store that occurred the previous October.  The bulletin mentions that the culprit was identified through DNA evidence left at the scene when the suspect suffered a cut from broken glass on entering the premises.

In the art crime community there is often much speculation that art thieves are sophisticated criminals acting on behalf of eccentric, wealthy art collectors.  It would appear that in the Odon Wagner Gallery theft, the suspect in the alleged burglary was merely a rounder with an unsophisticated method of stealing property.

Sherman was scheduled to appear in College Park court today for a bail hearing.  The allegations have not been proven in court.