A California man was sentenced yesterday to four months in federal prison after pleading guilty to taking art from the home of famed Baltimore artist Stanislav Rembski.

U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis in Baltimore told Joseph Anthony Imbrogulio III the case involved a deep "violation of trust" because he is the godson of Dorothy Rembski, the artist's widow. Imbrogulio, who pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, also was sentenced to four years' probation.

The plea agreement specified that Imbrogulio must repay Rembski $13,000 to compensate for the value of stolen artwork he auctioned at Sotheby's and return a 7-foot Rembski painting of "Chief Lookout."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew White said yesterday, "It was a good result."

Since the thefts were discovered in 1997, the FBI has recovered some of the stolen paintings, he said.

While visiting the Rembskis in their Bolton Hill home, Imbrogulio would excuse himself to smoke outside, but instead would take the artwork. It was later that the Rembskis discovered several paintings missing from the walls and attic studio.

The Polish-born Rembski, a world-renowned portrait artist, died six months ago at age 101.

His widow said yesterday that she was pleased with the plea agreement and described the ordeal as "absolutely devastating."

"I feel very sorry for him [Imbrogulio] because I had a close bond with his family," she said. "I definitely feel [the thefts] hastened my husband's death."

Pub Date: 3/09/99