SAN FRANCISCO -- A 42-year-old man has confessed to masterminding the holiday heist of millions of dollars of artwork and antiques from a Presidio Heights home, San Francisco police announced Monday.

Burglary Inspector Denise Fabbri said that James Reem, a San Francisco man, confessed last week to gathering a group of thieves who were able to steal several valuable antiques, including a book of etchings, coins, furniture and a John Singer Sargent portrait of a gray-haired woman valued at over $1 million.

The painting, along with a smaller portrait and two antique chairs are now being stored safely in the Hall of Justice where burglary detectives continue their investigation.

According to Fabbri, a scheme to burglarize the Jackson Street home of Robert Kendrick began in September when Reem snuck into the mansion and stole jewels and other small items. It wasn't until the days following the initial robbery that Reem googled Kendrick and found he was an heir to one of the founders of the Schlage Lock Company.

Months later, between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Reem returned with a group of thieves while Kendrick was away, Fabbri said.

In plain view of neighbors, the group bubble-wrapped valuables from the home and loaded them into the back of a U-Haul truck, according to police. Fabbri said the mansion was only minimally secured and that neighbors had not been warned that Kendrick would be out of town.

The suspects got away but investigators were able to track down members of the group through a series of breaks. After a period of surveillance and interviews, police arrested Reem, according to police.

Kendrick told inspectors he was thrilled that police tracked down his valuables, but he still remains upset about the disappearance of his pet cat Bucky.

The 5-year-old Abyssinian cat went missing when the burglars entered the home. Fabbri said the light-brown cat with a notch out of its right ear may have been stolen and sold.

Anyone who may have seen the cat is encouraged to call the burglary section at (415) 553-1351.