Scrapyard workers helped break stolen artwork case

PORTLAND, Ore. - Two people have been arrested in connection with the thefts of a late philanthropist's sculptures, and police believe it was an inside job.

Last month, several large sculptures were stolen from the property of Jean Vollum, one of Portland's most significant philanthropists and an art patron who championed many leading artists.

Police had an idea all along that whomever stole the sculptures from the property were likely not interested in art but in the money they could get if they melted the pieces down for scrap.

After a month-long investigation, police served a search warrant at a northeast Portland home, recovered some of the pieces and arrested Kathryn Michelle Loundree and Rodney Remick (above) in connection with the case.

According to police, both Metro Metal Recyclers and River Gate Recyclers helped with the investigation.

According to police, Loundree and Remick had been dating for several years and Loundree was an employee of Harbor Securities, Inc., which provided security patrol for the property owners when the theft occurred.