Man who made $5 million in Masters theft pleads guilty in federal court | Masters
Former warehouse assistant at Augusta National Golf Club georgia He pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing and transporting millions of dollars worth of Masters Tournament memorabilia and historical items, including Arnold Palmer's green jacket.
Richard Grobenski of Georgia entered the plea during his first appearance in federal court in Chicago.
Federal prosecutors said the 39-year-old man removed the items from the warehouse, intending to sell and transport them to another entity in Florida for sale online. The scheme lasted nearly 10 years, and Grobenski earned about $5 million from its sales.
He was charged with one count of transporting property knowing it was stolen.
“I plead guilty,” Grobenski, wearing a suit and tie, told the judge.
Items stolen between 2009 and 2022 included T-shirts, mugs, chairs, and historical memorabilia such as green jackets and tickets to the 1930s Masters Tournament.
Grobenski declined to comment to reporters. His attorney, Thomas Church, said the case is being heard in Chicago because some of the stolen items were recovered in the area.
The verdict will be handed down in late October. Mr. Grobenski faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but based on sentencing guidelines, he is likely to get closer to two years in prison.
Augusta National hosts the Masters Golf Tournament every year. This year's winner was Scotty Scheffler last month.
Summarize this content to 100 words Former warehouse assistant at Augusta National Golf Club georgia He pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing and transporting millions of dollars worth of Masters Tournament memorabilia and historical items, including Arnold Palmer's green jacket.Richard Grobenski of Georgia entered the plea during his first appearance in federal court in Chicago.Skip past newsletter promotionssign up for Jonathan Wilson and SoccerJonathan Wilson brings expert analysis to European football's biggest storiesPrivacy Notice: Newsletters may include information about charities, online advertising, and content funded by external organizations. For more information, see privacy policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google. privacy policy and terms of service Apply.After newsletter promotionFederal prosecutors said the 39-year-old man removed the items from the warehouse, intending to sell and transport them to another entity in Florida for sale online. The scheme lasted nearly 10 years, and Grobenski earned about $5 million from its sales.He was charged with one count of transporting property knowing it was stolen.”I plead guilty,” Grobenski, wearing a suit and tie, told the judge.Items stolen between 2009 and 2022 included T-shirts, mugs, chairs, and historical memorabilia such as green jackets and tickets to the 1930s Masters Tournament.Grobenski declined to comment to reporters. His attorney, Thomas Church, said the case is being heard in Chicago because some of the stolen items were recovered in the area.The verdict will be handed down in late October. Mr. Grobenski faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but based on sentencing guidelines, he is likely to get closer to two years in prison.Augusta National hosts the Masters Golf Tournament every year. This year's winner was Scotty Scheffler last month.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/15/man-who-made-5m-in-masters-thefts-pleads-guilty-in-federal-court Man who made $5 million in Masters theft pleads guilty in federal court | Masters