News

Part of Stolen Gold Bar Recovered

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West Florida.

A piece of the 4.5 pound 17th century gold bar stolen from a Key West museum in 2010 has been recovered.

The case is scheduled for trial May 14 at U.S. District Court in Key West.

In pre-trial motions, prosecutors refer to a “portion” of the bar valued at $550,000 that has been recovered but provide no details.

Corey Malcom, an archaeologist at Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum for 30 years, will testify to the authenticity of the gold bar, which was part of the Spanish empire and found by Fisher’s team in 1980 at the Santa Margarita, which sank off the Florida Keys in 1622.

“Mr. Malcom will testify that he examined a portion of the stolen gold bar that was recovered by law enforcement, and he was able to determine how the portion was severed from the gold bar and which portion of the original bar the recovered portion comprises,” reads a motion by federal prosecutors.

On trial is Jarred Goldman, who has been out on bond and living with his family in South Florida.

His co-defendant, Richard Steven Johnson of Rio Linda, struck a deal April 27 with prosecutors to cooperate with them in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Johnson stole the bar, breaking through a display case, while Goldman acted as a lookout, according to the indictment. The two men had driven from West Palm Beach to Key West and then drove back after the alleged theft.

Both face up to 15 years in prison. Johnson will be sentenced after Goldman’s trial.

 

Richard Steven Johnson of Rio Linda, as seen on security cameras at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.

About the author

John Todd

Born and raised in Rio Linda, a graduate of Rio Linda High School, and a resident for most of the last 50 years. Co-Chair for the Rio Linda Elverta Neighborhood Association, announcer for Rio Linda Knights Football, Rio Linda Christmas Light Parade, and Rio Linda Little League Parade, Original keeper of the Archway Lights, and outspoken advocate for the Rio Linda Elverta community.

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