In a recent development concerning a long-standing Hollywood mystery, Jerry Hal Saliterman has been charged in connection to the 2005 theft of a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the iconic film “The Wizard of Oz.” This comes after the primary suspect, Terry Jon Martin, had previously admitted to the theft and was sentenced based on his health conditions. The slippers, valued at approximately $3.5 million, were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and were recovered by the FBI in 2018.

Saliterman, 76, faces charges of theft of a major artwork and witness tampering, with his attorney asserting his innocence. The storyline took a twist as it was revealed that an old associate had encouraged Martin to commit the theft as “one last score.” The attempt to extract real jewels from the slippers was foiled upon the realization that the rubies were not genuine.

The stolen slippers, which were on a loan from Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw to the museum at the time of their disappearance, have captivated public interest. Following their recovery, Shaw plans to auction the slippers after an international tour with stops in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo. The ruby slippers, used in close-up shots for the 1939 “The Wizard of Oz,” are considered a pivotal piece of cinematic history, signifying Dorothy’s journey home. With only four pairs known to exist, the auction of these slippers, set for December, marks a significant moment in film memorabilia collections.