Former antiques collector from Reading, neighbor of Taylor Swift, identified as counterfeit art dealer.

Carter P. Reese, 77, a prominent figure in the Reading area, has recently garnered attention for a significant legal issue that marred his otherwise illustrious career. Reese is a highly educated individual, possessing three master’s degrees, and has made a name for himself through various educational roles, notably as a fine arts and history teacher at Pottstown’s esteemed Hill School. He later took on the role of director of admissions, where he contributed significantly to the academic journey of numerous students.

Together with his wife, a Harvard graduate, Reese co-founded an international company that specialized in facilitating student admissions to elite American boarding schools and universities, further establishing his reputation in the educational sector. Notably, he lived next door to pop icon Taylor Swift in Wyomissing before she made her transition to Nashville to pursue a music career. During this time, he owned the house where Swift and her family resided, a location rumored to be influential in shaping her early musical inspirations.

In addition to his educational accomplishments, Reese built a remarkable collection of antiques, which included over 17,000 items such as toys, model trains, furniture, and Oriental rugs. He valued his collection at more than million, noting its diversity and significance.

However, this week, Reese’s status took a drastic turn as he faced a federal conviction for selling counterfeit art. In a federal court in Reading, Reese pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and mail fraud related to his activities between 2019 and 2021. Prosecutors disclosed that he sold and attempted to sell forgeries attributed to renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, misleading buyers into believing the works were genuine. His approach included using fraudulent documents to reinforce his claims, ultimately revealing a complex web of deception.

Reese was arrested earlier in the month, and at a sentencing hearing scheduled for September, he could face up to 40 years in prison. His lawyer indicated that Reese deeply regrets his actions and has pledged to make full restitution to the victims. Prosecutors have highlighted the potential forfeiture of over 6,000 in connection with the fraud acts, though they did not detail specific amounts tied to the individual artworks.

Interestingly, Reese’s legal troubles come on the heels of claims he made regarding his own experiences of being deceived in a previous antique sale during financial difficulties. This ironic twist adds complexity to a narrative that began with a commitment to education and a passion for collecting art and antiques.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how Reese’s legacy will be shaped by these recent events, as community members reflect on a man whose life has witnessed the peaks of educational achievement and the depths of criminal conviction.

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