Stolen paintings found in a Morton Grove consignment shop led Evanston detectives to arrest and charge a Glenview man in connection with a home invasion that took place in Evanston in April 2012. 

Michael Karabatsis, 51, of the 600 block of Pfingsten Road in Glenview, was arrested and charged with home invasion, a felony, on Wednesday, Dec. 19. 

Police believe Karabatsis was one of three men who knocked on the door of a home in the 2200 block of Central Street on Friday, April 13, claiming they had a delivery. They forcibly entered the home by kicking the man, age 67, to the floor, then knocked his wife, also 67, to the floor, police said. After strapping the couple's hands with duct-tape to keep them from escaping, the men stole four pieces of artwork.

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An oil painting, a print of a crucifixion and two other prints were reported missing, according to police. The oil painting and crucifixion print were each valued between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the victims, while the remaining two prints were not of significant value. 

Police released images of the two most valuable paintings, both done by artist Giuseppe Guerreschi, shortly after the home invasion. Those were the two paintings that detectives discovered at the Morton Grove consignment shop.

Detectives are still searching for information on two other offenders believed to have been involved in the home invasion. Anyone with information regarding this incident can call the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000, call the detective bureau at 847-866-5040 or contact police by texting “CRIMES” (274637) and then typing EPDTIP in the message line followed by your information on the incident. All texting tips are anonymous. 

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