Reputed Connecticut mobster may have information on biggest art heist in history


By The Associated Press


HARTFORD — A reputed Connecticut mobster suspected of having information related to the largest art theft in history from a Boston museum is facing an arraignment on weapons charges.

Robert Gentile of Manchester is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in federal court in Hartford.

Gentile has been detained since his arrest in February on a charge of selling illegally obtained prescription painkillers.

A prosecutor revealed in court last month that the FBI believes the 75-year-old Gentile “had some involvement in connection with stolen property” related to the unsolved 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in which masterworks worth a half-billion dollars were stolen.

Gentile’s attorney said he had nothing to do with the art theft and the government was trying to pressure him.