Stolen Paintings Returned to Grace Chapel

A woman who walked away from Grace Chapel on June 13 with a pair of paintings tucked under her arm has since returned them, and police say she will likely face charges in the case.

The woman, who can be seen in surveillance-video footage leaving the church after a June 13 service carrying two paintings that had been on display, recently returned the artwork to the chapel, said Lexington Police Lt. Manny Ferro.

Police received tips on the woman's identity after the surveillance footage was broadcast on the Mass Most Wanted website and in the television news media, Ferro said. The woman also contacted the chapel and gave the paintings back.

"When people see their face on the news... she turned herself in to the church," Ferro said.

Ferro said he does not know why the woman, who is not a Lexington resident, took the paintings, but said charges against her are likely to be filed.

"We anticipate charges going forward," Ferro said.

The woman, who Ferro declined to name citing the ongoing investigation, is believed to have been familiar with or was involved previously with Grace Chapel, Ferro said.