NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City art dealer who catered to celebrities has admitted bilking nearly $100 million from his star-studded clientele through bogus art investment opportunities and sales of pieces he didn't own.
Lawrence B. Salander (SAL'-an-duhr) pleaded guilty Thursday to grand larceny and scheming to defraud in a case that swept up tennis star John McEnroe and the estate of actor Robert De Niro's father as victims.
The 60-year-old Salander has been promised a prison term that's a maximum of six to 18 years. He's due back in court for a pre-sentencing status update May 20.
The former art gallery owner admitted swindling McEnroe out of about $2 million and Robert De Niro Sr.'s estate out of more than $1 million. They're among many other victims.
A judge shuttered Salander's gallery in 2007.
