The man, who police declined to identify as charges are pending, had previously worked at the Repartee Gallery in Salt Lake City. Authorities say he stole paintings from the Repartee, a medical office in Saratoga Springs and twice from the Canyon Gallery in Fruit Heights.

Davis County sheriff's office Detective Ken Warnshuis said the man, who has a history of retail burglaries, was arrested during a traffic stop earlier this month after the officer found he was violating parole.

During the stop, which occurred in April the day after the Canyon Gallery was burglarized for a second time, the officer noticed a large number of paintings in the man's truck, said Warnshuis. When the theft was reported, police made the connection between the man and the thefts.

Warnshuis said the man's shoes and tire pattern matched those found in connection with the Canyon Gallery thefts. A digital camera the man was carrying had a picture of the stolen paintings, which he was taking to shops around town.

In all, the stolen artwork was worth more than $29,000 and primarily comprised works by James Christensen, an Orem-based artist whose paintings have increased in popularity and value in recent years.

The man sold the paintings for a few thousand dollars to a private collector in American Fork, who gave police the paintings back on Wednesday, said Warnshuis. Officers brought back four of the nine works stolen from the Canyon Gallery, said gallery owner Darren Peel.

"I feel awesome," Peel said. "I'm grateful the case has been solved."

The gallery was robbed in November and again last month. Peel said the man broke in through the front door both times.

Warnshuis said the man has an extensive background Utah art.

"He used to be in the business, so he had an eye to what pieces were most desirable," he said.

Repartee Gallery owner Jo Ann Warner said the man worked at the gallery in the Deseret Book store on 20 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City for several months until mid-December.

"It's just frustrating," Warner said. "You would like to trust your employees."

The artwork recovered from the Repartee Gallery will be returned when the investigation is complete, Warnshuis said. Seven prints and 10 limited-edition canvases, which are signed and numbered, were stolen.

abreton@sltrib.com