Dying Mobster Who Stole Ruby Slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Receives No Jail Time
A 76-year-old reformed mobster in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, who stole the iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” has been sentenced to no prison time. The defendant, Terry Jon Martin, took the slippers from a local museum back in 2005 as a result of being tempted by an “old mob associate” in search of one final score, according to his lawyer.
Martin, who is currently 76 years old and in hospice care, requires constant oxygen therapy due to his chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and is expected to pass away within the next six months. Both his lawyers and federal prosecutors recommended time served due to his ailing health, a request the judge honored during the hearing.
‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Drew Mobster Out Of Retirement For ‘One Last Score’
Terry Jon Martin was sentenced Monday to no jail time.
A Surprising Confession
At the time of the theft, Martin was unaware that the slippers did not contain real rubies. After having the slippers in his possession for less than 48 hours, he handed them over to the unnamed associate, stating that he never wanted to see them again, according to his lawyer’s memo.
Ruby slippers once worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.”
An Unexpected Turn
In 2018, the FBI recovered the stolen ruby slippers, one of only four pairs known to exist, when an individual attempted to claim a reward for them. It wasn’t until last year that Martin was officially charged with the theft, to which he pled guilty in October. Martin admitted to using a hammer to break the museum’s glass door and display case in order to steal the slippers.
Rhys Thomas, author of “The Ruby Slippers of Oz,” examines a pair of ruby slippers in 2018.
No Prison Time
Taking into consideration his extremely poor health and the recommendation from both his legal counsel and prosecutors, the judge opted not to impose any jail time as part of Martin’s sentencing. With Martin’s life expectancy at only six more months, it was ultimately determined that spending his final days under house arrest in hospice care was the appropriate course of action.
Fox News’ Lauryn Overhultz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
