Italy trying US curator in artifact theft case
Items allegedly went to museum
ROME -- The curator of antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles went on trial in Rome yesterday, accused of receiving stolen artifacts in a case closely watched in the art world.
After a decade-long investigation, Italian prosecutors charged Marion True, who has been with the Getty for more than 20 years, of criminal conspiracy to receive stolen goods and illegal receipt of archeological artifacts.
True denies the charges, and the Getty has defended her.
''We trust that this trial will result in her exoneration and end further damage to the personal and professional reputation of Dr. True," the museum said in a statement after her indictment.
True did not appear in court for the start of her trial, which was adjourned immediately after opening remarks until Nov. 16 to provide an English translation of the proceedings.
The case involves about 40 artifacts that prosecutors think were illegally excavated or stolen and later acquired by the Getty, including an ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite.
''We have boxes and boxes of documents and very convincing elements," a source with the prosecution said.
The trial is widely seen as an effort by Italian authorities to crack down on the trade in illegally excavated archeological items by putting pressure on museums and collectors to verify the origin of artifacts.
''We hope the trial will ensure this kind of crime isn't repeated, that museums learn you can't turn a blind eye to art theft," the source said.
