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A mob figure – legendary for his conviction for stealing the Marlborough Diamond in England decades ago – was sentenced to about 8 1/2 years in prison today for plotting robberies and burglaries with a longtime cohort while both were in their 70s.
As Arthur Rachel briefly addressed the court during the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber interrupted him with a question.
“What possessed you to get involved with this caper after you (already) spent half your life in prison?” the judge asked.
“Nobody takes it seriously, your honor,” Rachel said with a shrug. “It’s the way we are. We got nothing better to do. We sit around talking.”
“I know, your honor, I could do better. I’m sure of that. But what’s past is past.”