During a News conference, which was held jointly by the Hartford Insurance Company and the Chicago Symphony,  Hartford Insurance Company issued a reward for the return of the stolen instrument.  Upon accepting the reward, Fritz Reuter made a public statement that he had already--4 months prior--petetioned the Illinois Attorney General to investigate shady practices withing the violin business.(Reuter's Focus Reports)

Man gets $10,000 reward from CSO

BY J. MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER
Chicago Suntimes: June 26, 1998

Fritz Reuter, 66, received $10,000 Thursday from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for his role in
returning a 1723 Montagnana model viola worth approximately $175,000 that allegedly was stolen
almost two years ago.

Robert Heiss, 71, took the rare viola to Reuter's business June 16, after finding Reuter's name on
the Internet as an instrument expert, police said. Reuter informed authorities, and Heiss was charged
with one count of felony theft.

Heiss said he found the viola on the sidewalk.