Man to plead guilty for hiding stolen 'Wizard of Oz' ruby slippers

In Minnesota, a man named Jerry Hal Saliterman is facing serious charges related to the theft and concealment of a pair of ruby slippers originally worn by Judy Garland in the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz.' These slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in August 2005, and their whereabouts remained unknown for nearly 13 years. Eventually, the FBI recovered the stolen slippers in 2018, and they later fetched an astonishing $32.5 million at auction in 2023. As the legal proceedings unfold, Saliterman's defense attorney confirmed that Saliterman intends to plead guilty at a scheduled hearing in January 2025. His charges include theft of a major artwork and witness tampering, which places him under significant legal scrutiny. Previously, Terry Jon Martin, who initially stole the slippers, pleaded guilty in 2023, adding layers to this intriguing case. Authorities are still investigating the connections between Saliterman and Martin, though both men share similar circumstances, as both are 77 years old and suffer from various health issues, including the need for wheelchair assistance and supplemental oxygen. This high-profile case has captured public interest not only because of the cultural significance of the stolen items but also due to the exceptionally large sum they attained during the auction. The outcome of Saliterman’s change of plea hearing could further illuminate the repercussions of this long-standing criminal act and the broader implications regarding the theft of cultural heritage items. Both the legal ramifications and public sentiment around the case highlight ongoing concerns about art and memorabilia theft as a prevalent issue facing many collectors and institutions.