Wiscasset Police Department posted the following press release on its Facebook page Sept. 10:

On Aug. 10,  Officer Jonathan Barnes responded to Ingram Fine Arts, located at 85 Main St., for a report of a theft. During the investigation, it was learned that on Aug. 9, a male and female entered the business and inquired about gold pieces. The couple selected a piece of gold artwork valued at $8,000. A lower price was negotiated and the pair counted out the cash that consisted of $100 bills. When the store owner's attention was diverted, the two suspects substituted the currency with a stack consisting primarily of $1 bills concealed under a $100 bill. 

Surveillance footage was obtained, and photographs of the suspects were distributed to law enforcement agencies across the country. With assistance from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Kennebunk Police Department, Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department, and Melbourne (Florida) Police Department, the suspects were identified as Mircea Lucaci and Maria Rostas. Both individuals were found to have outstanding arrest warrants in multiple states for similar theft-related offenses. The investigation indicated that the two may allegedly be associated with a Romanian theft ring targeting gold.

As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were prepared and issued.

Mircea Lucaci, 35, of Woodside, New York was charged with Theft by Deception, Class C.

Maria Rostas, 49, of Flushing, New York is charged with Theft by Deception, Class C.

The investigation is ongoing ... All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiscasset Police Department at 207-882-8202.