NEW YORK (AP) — A former manager of a now-closed New Yorkart gallery has pleaded guilty for his
role in an international schemeto smuggle ancient Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.Federalofficials say Aaron
Freedman pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court inManhattan on Friday to conspiracy and criminal possession
of stolenproperty worth $35 million.Authorities say the Princeton, N.J.,resident admitted helping the Art of
the Past gallery’s owner shipstolen items from India, Pakistan and elsewhere.The gallery owner is in Indian
custody. He faces stolen property charges in New York.A defense lawyer tells the New York Post (http://bit.ly/1gLskh9 ) that Freedman is taking steps
toward rectifying his mistakes.Officialssay Freedman helped sell a $5 million stolen statue of Shiva
Natarajathat’s displayed at the National Gallery of Australia. The gallery saysit’ll work with
authorities.Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rightsreserved. This material may not be published,
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