Thief nabs $4,000+ bag from charity

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A no-gooder lifted a Louis Vuitton monogrammed handbag with a leopard pattern on sheared calfskin from an auction benefitting Indiana AIDS Fund.

“This money goes to AIDS service organizations that depend on us,” said Katherine Nagler, organizer of the fundraiser. “It’s terrible.”

The item, the auction’s pièce de résistance, disappeared shortly before the “Spotlight” fundraiser held at Butler University’s hallowed Clowes Memorial Hall on Monday night. It was taken form a table near an exit.

“A crime of opportunity,” said Sgt. Christopher Marcum of Butler University Police Department.

A detective will now monitor pawn shops and activity on online resale sites.

“This was probably our best auction item,” Nagler said. “Whoever took it, I hope they give it a great deal of thought.”

The handbag is a rarity that’s become a quasi-star itself, as it’s played the only seemingly steady arm candy for star Jessica Simpson.