Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Contact 90.5 WESA with a story idea or news tip: news@wesa.fm

Librarian, Bookseller Accused Of Trafficking Rare Books Will Go To Trial

Gene J. Puskar
/
AP

A librarian and a bookseller accused of stealing and trafficking rare books from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in a years-long scheme are standing trial.

Pittsburgh police say 61-year-old Gregory Priore stole prints, maps and rare books from the library and handed them off to Caliban Book Shop co-owner John Schulman to resell them. Prosecutors say the pair conspired to steal and sell several hundred rare items worth more than $8 million.

Priore previously worked as a librarian overseeing the rare books room. Officials say they believe the scheme dates back to the 1990s.

The pair's defense says they believe prosecutors are inflating the alleged level of damages. Schulman's attorney says he believes there is a possible resolution to the case.

Formal arraignment for both men is scheduled for Nov. 29.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.