Former Omniplex Director Hired As Consultant Despite Conviction

Saturday, June 2nd 2007, 2:09 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The man who was convicted of stealing artifacts from the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center has been working occasionally for another museum here, according to a published report.

Max Ary, who is free as he appeals his conviction and three-year prison term, has been used periodically as a consultant, Don Otto, executive director of the Omniplex, told The Oklahoman on Friday.

Ary started putting together some of the space exhibits when he served as director at Omniplex. He was placed on leave after being indicted in April 2005, then his contract as director was not renewed when it expired several months later.

Ary, founder and former director of the Kansas Cosmosphere, was accused of stealing artifacts from the Hutchinson museum and NASA. A jury convicted Ary in November 2005 on 12 counts, including theft of government property, wire and mail fraud, interstate transport of stolen goods and money laundering. He was ordered to pay $132,374 in restitution.

Otto said Ary's expertise made him the logical choice to finish up the work he had started.

``This museum has no problem with Max Ary,'' Otto said.

Omniplex board President James Farris agreed, but board member Butch Freeman said he didn't know Ary was being paid as a museum consultant.

``On the surface, it sounds a little concerning,'' said Freeman, the Oklahoma County treasurer. ``Certainly from an appearance standpoint I can see where there would be a cause for concern.''

Otto declined to reveal how much Ary has been paid as a consultant.

Otto said museums often employ consultants when their specific expertise is needed. Other experts may be tapped as the Omniplex is renovated over the next decade, he said.

``That's the way the system works,'' Otto said. ``A lot of people in the museum business moonlight, if you will.''

Jim Remar, senior vice president for the Kansas Cosmosphere, acknowledged it is fairly common for museums to hire consultants for some tasks.

He declined to comment on Ary.