North Carolina Artist Accused Of Stealing His Own Paintings APEX, N.C. - A North Carolina man accused of stealing paintings from a restaurant is certainly familiar with the works of art at issue; he's the one who painted them. Keith Adams of Angier says his paintings were displayed at an Apex restaurant called Bistro 155 which closed last month. The artist says he went to retrieve his paintings, fearing they would be stolen. Adams worked as a Cary police officer and U.S. Marshal before being diagnosed with cancer three years ago. He told Apex police he had taken the art. The police then charged him with breaking and entering and larceny. Capt. Christopher Myhand says police had earlier told Adams to get a lawyer to help retrieve his art. Adams is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 22.