Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that Mitchell Hochhauser, former Assistant Deputy Warden at Rikers Island, has been sentenced to a term of up to three years imprisonment for his role in the theft of a valuable work of art by the surrealist artist, Salvidor Dali.

Hochhauser, pled guilty last September to one count of Attempted Grand larceny in the 2nd degree, a class "D" felony offense. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett sentenced Hochahasuer to a term of one to three years imprisonment.

Hochhauser, 40, of Queens, was arrested on June 17, 2003 following a three and a half month joint investigation with the New York City Department of Investigations. The defendant admitted that he "acted in concert" allegedly with three other Department of Correction employees, in stealing the artwork which was owned by the Department of Correction.

Still awaiting trial are former assistant Deputy Warden Benny Nuzzo, Correction Officer’s Timothy Pina and Greg Sokol.

The Untitled Surrealist artwork was on display in a public area near the entrance of the Eric M. Taylor Detention Center on Rikers Island. The painting was reported missing on March 1, 2003, when someone noticed a copy had been substituted for the original "Dali" which has an appraised value of $250,000. The artist gave the work to the Department of Correction as a gift in 1965, when illness prevented him from making a scheduled visit to Rikers Island.

The stolen artwork is a gouache mixed media composition in India ink and pencil on board, depicting the crucifixion of Christ. It measures 59 x 39 ½ inches and is in a card, stained, mahogany wood frame. Anyone with information that could assist with investigators I locating the missing artwork should call (718) 590-2277 of (212) 266-1900.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Donald Levin of the Investigations Division.