A rare violin valued at $650,000 has been recovered after being stolen from the University of Southern California (USC). The 331-year-old Giovanni Grancino violin, made in Milan in 1694, was taken on April 2. Just over a week later, on April 10, it was found, thanks to the diligent work of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Detective Stephanie Gutierrez led the investigation. She said the violin appeared to be in good condition, but a specialist will examine it to confirm this. The instrument had been on loan to a USC student from a music shop in Koreatown.
The theft occurred when the student was practicing in the music department. Police believe the suspect, 31-year-old Jonathan Saldana, followed her into the building after she swiped her access card. Surveillance footage showed Saldana taking the violin while it was unattended. He allegedly left the campus with the instrument and also stole a scooter.
Saldana was arrested on April 9, two days before the violin was recovered. He has been charged with felony grand theft and pleaded not guilty. He is currently being held at the Pitchess Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 25.
The violin was discovered in a homeless encampment near USC. Gutierrez noted that no one was willing to buy the instrument from Saldana, and it was eventually taken by another homeless person who later returned it. Gutierrez expressed relief that the violin was found so close to the university, as she initially thought it might have been sold immediately.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of security and safety on college campuses, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement in recovering stolen property.