ICYMI: Minnesota Man Who Hid Stolen ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Set to Plead Guilty
A stolen pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, hidden for years, is at the heart of a shocking plea deal. š #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Crime
ST. PAUL, MN – A Minnesota man accused of hiding the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz has announced plans to plead guilty to charges related to the long-hidden pair of sequined shoes. This case, which captivated the publicās attention, centers around one of the most famous pieces of movie memorabilia ever stolen.
The Theft and Recovery of the Slippers
In 2005, a pair of ruby slippers, originally worn by Garland as Dorothy in the beloved 1939 film, were taken from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
The stolen slippers disappeared without a trace for nearly 13 years, baffling authorities and movie fans alike.
It wasnāt until 2018 that the FBI recovered them, finding the slippers after a lengthy investigation. In 2024, they were sold at auction for a record-breaking $32.5 million, although the identity of the buyer remains unknown.
The Legacy of the Slippers
The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy remain one of the most famous and valuable pieces of movie memorabilia in history. While Garland wore multiple pairs of slippers for the filming of The Wizard of Oz, only four pairs are still known to exist.
The slippers taken from the museum were loaned by Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw, who eventually recovered them. Shaw was also involved in the slippers’ auction in 2024.
Garland, who was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1922 and spent her early childhood there, remains a beloved figure in American film history. The Judy Garland Museum continues to house the largest collection of memorabilia related to her and The Wizard of Oz.
Charges Against Jerry Hal Saliterman
Jerry Hal Saliterman, 77, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged in March 2024 with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering in connection with the stolen slippers.
Saliterman is expected to change his not guilty plea when he appears in court on January 10, though heāll face a federal magistrate judge initially, as magistrates cannot accept guilty pleas in felony cases.
His lawyer has confirmed that Saliterman plans to plead guilty, though details of any plea deal are yet to be revealed. Salitermanās health, which has been a concern throughout the case, was evident during his first court appearance when he appeared in a wheelchair and required supplemental oxygen.
Terry Jon Martin’s Role in the Crime
Terry Jon Martin, also 77, was involved in the theft and had already pleaded guilty to charges in 2023. Martin confessed to stealing the slippers as part of a final criminal scheme after he tried to distance himself from his past life.
In his plea, he explained his attempt to sell the slippers, which he mistakenly thought contained real rubies. After discovering that the slippers were not as valuable as he had believed, he disposed of them, though he refused to reveal how. Martin was sentenced to time served due to his declining health.
RELATED TOPICS: Celebs | Crime | Film and Television | History | Minnesota
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
