Gallery Owner Convicted of $300,000 Fraud

Robert Preiss yesterday was convicted in circuit court of fraud and theft of more than $300,000 in artwork, according to a Sarasota Police Department release.

He owned R&R Bond Gallery on 18 So. Blvd of the Arts when he was arrested on August 28, 2009.

The victims were two art groups – Masterpiece Publishing and Triad Art Group – and an 86-year-old man from England. 

Preiss accepted consignments of fine art, and sold them without paying the owners. Other art consigned to Preiss could not be accounted for.

Preiss was remanded to the Sarasota County jail where he awaits sentencing. He could face up to 30 years in prison. 

Sarasota Detective Jack Carter with the economic crimes section of the criminal investigations divison was the lead investigator.