A Vancouver man with 55 B.C. theft convictions since 2010 has been charged in connection with the high-profile heist of late IndyCar driver Greg Moore’s racing helmet earlier this year.

Nelson Earl Nepinak, 39, is accused of theft over $5,000 and possessing stolen property over $5,000 in the Sept. 3 theft from the BC Sports Hall of Fame at BC Place.

The stolen helmet was worn by Moore during his 1998 victory at the Rio 400 in Brazil, and had been on permanent loan to the museum by his family as part of an exhibit documenting the career of the late IndyCar driver.

Moore was 24 when he died in a crash during the final race of the CART season at California Speedway on Oct. 31, 1999.

Vancouver Police said property crime investigators identified the suspect through security video and tracke

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