Intern allegedly steals paintings featured in movie

CHICAGO -- A 23-year-old graphic arts student at Columbia College has been charged with felony burglary for allegedly stealing about $35,000 worth of art featured in the movie "The Break Up."

A Cook County judge set bail at $50,000 during a Saturday hearing for Michael Gutweiler, who allegedly stole the paintings from Chicago's Francine Turk Gallerie while he was working there as an intern.

Francine Turk, the artist and gallery owner, said her art has been in demand since it was featured in the condominium at the heart of the Chicago-based movie starring Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn.

"It's just been such a frenzy with people grabbing my work left and right that I can't make it fast enough," she said. "I think he saw the frenzy, and one thing led to another."

Police said witnesses saw two men in black ski masks break through a glass front door early Tuesday morning in the South Loop gallery, take 10 paintings and drive off in a maroon van. Although the paintings have not been found, investigators said the trail has been leading to the intern.

Gutweiler said nothing during his court appearance.