George Reissfelder

George Reissfelder was a beloved figure in Boston during the 1980s for his well-publicized legal career. After being released from prison after serving 16 years for an alleged false conviction, Reissfelder became a household name across Boston.

Reissfelder’s brother-in-law informed authorities that he owned one of Manet’s stolen paintings, “Chez Tortoni.” Unfortunately, Reissfelder succumbed to cocaine poisoning in 1991.

Early Life and Education

Early childhood is essential for a child’s development. During this period, they learn how to speak, walk, feed themselves and are exposed to many different experiences.

Teachers are their first educators and are responsible for teaching them how to socialize with other children and interact in a non-home environment. Furthermore, this period marks the start of cognitive development for children.

The National Institute of Health states that a high-quality early childhood education program can have an immense effect on students’ futures. This is because these formative years are crucial in the development of children’s social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

Professional Career

George Reissfelder made headlines when he was exonerated of a murder he didn’t commit, after serving sixteen years in prison. This remarkable feat was achieved with the assistance of future senator John F. Kerry’s lawyer John Foley and his law partner Roanne Sragow Licht.

He found a new start, but the good news wasn’t always so sweet. He was soon drawn back into crime, spending decades in and out of prison with links to Boston’s mafia. Additionally, he proved adept at con jobs by writing bad checks.

Achievements and Honors

Reissfelder was a cunning criminal with an extensive record of escapes and embarrassments. In 1982 he managed one of the most daring courtroom heists ever, earning national attention and receiving multiple awards for his exploits. Despite these accomplishments however, Reissfelder often felt overshadowed by fellow felons Frank Polci and James Cox.

Not surprisingly, the Gardner Museum has been the victim of several robberies in recent history – including that of Frank Polci who was found dead with his pants down at the wheel of a getaway vehicle – a luxurious red Dodge Daytona. Other armed robbers have been arrested but Reissfelder – an expert at many trades – has been disqualified as a suspect.

Personal Life

After serving 16 years for a murder he claims he didn’t commit, Reissfelder was released from prison and started hanging out with Carmello Merlino at his auto repair shop in Dorchester. Additionally, he had several criminal contacts whom he frequented, often using cocaine.

In the late 1980s, Reissfelder and Merlino’s associate David Turner visited Beauchamp at Massachusetts state prison frequently and, in vague terms, informed him they were planning a major heist. One of their topics discussed was how to hide stolen art from law enforcement authorities.

They also discussed ways to part with their artwork. Beauchamp considered this strategy a wise one and an invaluable bargaining chip.

Net Worth

In the late 1980s, Reissfelder began frequenting Carmello Merlino’s auto repair shop in Dorchester. The garage was filled with criminal contacts and cocaine users, drawing attention as a celebrity. But his celebrity status did not last long; by 1990 he passed away from an overdose. According to a documentary about Gardner theft, one of Reissfelder’s artworks – Manet’s Chez Tortoni – was hanging on his bedroom wall 31 years after its disappearance – though its exact whereabouts remains unsolved today. It’s believed that someone within Reissfelder’s family may have spotted something of value during this period but unfortunately remains unknown today.