Advertisement

Prosecutor: Reputed mobster discussed sale of stolen Boston artwork with undercover FBI agent

In this May 10, 2012 file photo, law enforcement agents dig in the front yard of the home of Robert Gentile in Manchester, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)

HARTFORD, Conn. – A federal prosecutor says a reputed mobster suspected of a connection to one of the biggest art heists in U.S. history discussed the paintings with an undercover FBI agent.

Robert Gentile appeared in court Friday on charges alleging that he sold a handgun to a convicted felon. The FBI has identified the 78-year-old Gentile as the last surviving person of interest in the 1990 robbery of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum worth an estimated $500 million.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Prosecutor John Durham alleged at the hearing that Gentile had discussed a sale of the paintings. He did not provide further detail on what came of the purported discussions.

Gentile’s attorney denied all the allegations. Gentile has not been charged in connection to the 1990 art heist.

WATCH BELOW: Maritimes thief helps police identify hundreds of stolen artifacts

Sponsored content

AdChoices