Arrest made in 'Afghan Girl' art theft in Chester County

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A woman employed by a world-renowned photographer in Chester County has been arrested for allegedly selling prints, books, and other items belonging to her employer.

32-year-old Bree DeStephano of York is charged with theft and related offenses.

DeStephano was employed as the Manager of Fine Art Print Sales at Steve McCurry Studios, LLC, located in Exton, West Whiteland Township.

Steve McCurry is probably best known for his photograph of the Afghan Girl, which was on the cover of National Geographic.

The Chester County District Attorney alleges that DeStephano stole prints, books, and other items from Steve McCurry Studios and sold them for her own profit.

The stolen prints included the following: the Afghan Girl, Vertical Dust Storm, The Blue City, and Bengali Woman and Child.

The total value of the items stolen is $654,358.02.

DeStephano's alleged cohort in the scheme, Brandon Donahue, will be charged by authorities in Colorado, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said.

Most of the items stolen have been tracked down by the District Attorney's Office and returned to McCurry.