Two Potential Members of a Romanian Theft Ring Sought in Maine

Wiscasset Police are looking for two people who cheated a local art dealer while buying an expensive gold piece.

Maine Police Seek Two Suspects in a Wiscasset Art Shop Theft

Mircea Lucaci and Maria Rostas are believed to be part of a Romanian theft ring that specifically targets gold.

They were customers at Ingram Fine Arts and allegedly perpetrated a cash switcheroo on the owner while making a purchase.

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Wiscasset Police Officer Jonathan Barnes reported to Ingram Fine Arts in Wiscasset on August 10th for a report of a theft.

Maine Theft Suspects Swapped $1 Bills for $100 Bills During Art Purchase

The owner told Officer Barnes that a couple had stopped by the business and asked what they had for gold pieces before selecting gold artwork valued at $8,000.

They negotiated a lower price and counted out the cash using $100 bills.

But when the store owner's attention was diverted, the two suspects substituted the currency with a stack consisting primarily of $1 bills, concealed under a $100 bill.

Police checked the surveillance footage and then circulated photographs of the suspects to law enforcement agencies across the country.

With their help, Maine authorities identified the suspects as Mircea Lucaci and Maria Rostas, who both have outstanding arrest warrants in multiple states for similar theft-related offenses.

The investigation indicated they may be associated with a Romanian theft ring that specifically targets gold.

New York Couple Wanted for Alleged Theft in Wiscasset Involving a Gold Art Piece

Arrest warrants have been issued for both suspects:

Mircea Lucaci, 35, of Woodside, New York, is charged with theft by deception.

Maria Rostas, 49, of Flushing, New York, is charged with theft by deception.

This investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be pending.

Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to contact the Wiscasset Police Department at 207-882-8202.

We'll update this story as more details become available.