Ep 12. Artistic License To Steal

In season 12, episode 12 of American Greed titled "Artistic License To Steal," viewers are taken on a journey through an art heist that's one for the books.

The episode follows the story of Mark Lugo, a well-dressed man with a passion for expensive watches and fine art. However, Lugo's love for art takes a dark turn when he discovers his ability to steal expensive paintings with ease.

Lugo's first heist takes place in San Francisco, where he brazenly walks into the Weinstein Gallery and walks out with a Picasso drawing worth $200,000. However, the theft doesn't go unnoticed as the gallery quickly realizes the drawing is missing and contacts the authorities.

Over the next few months, Lugo goes on a stealing spree, targeting high-end galleries and restaurants, and amassing a collection worth over $500,000. With each robbery, Lugo becomes increasingly bold, often walking out of these establishments in broad daylight, and sometimes even returning to the same locations to steal more pieces.

Lugo's stealing streak doesn't last long, as he is eventually caught by authorities after leaving a Napa Valley restaurant with a $275,000 drawing by Yves Saint Laurent. The restaurant's employees witness the crime and alert the police, leading to a high-speed police chase, which ends in Lugo's arrest.

The episode also features interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on Lugo's case, including Detective Richard Lopez, who was one of the first officers on the scene after Lugo was arrested in the Napa Valley restaurant. Lopez recounts the details of the chase and how they were ultimately able to bring Lugo to justice.

In addition to interviews with law enforcement officials, the episode also features art experts who weigh in on Lugo's crimes and the impact they had on the art world. One expert notes that these types of crimes not only hurt the galleries and artists but also rob society of the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate these valuable pieces.

Overall, "Artistic License To Steal" is a thrilling episode that takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the most audacious art heists in recent history and sheds light on the criminal underworld that exists within the art world.