A Florida judge who recognized a defendant robber as one of her favorite childhood playmates says he was the best kid in her school and always wondered what became of him.
The poignant reunion in a criminal courtroom this month brought two old friends together under extremely trying circumstances but, hopefully, has prompted the accused burglar and drug abuser to try and mend his wicked ways.
Justice Mindy Glazer told her long lost friend Arthur Booth that she was “sorry to see you here,” then explained to spectators of the extraordinary meet-up that he had been one of the nicest and smartest kids in her class.
“He was the best kid in middle school. I used to play football with him,” she said. “Look what has happened.”
The defendant, realizing the judge presiding over his bond hearing was indeed an old school chum, first acknowledged Glazer with a broad smile, then covered his face in shame and openly wept.
“Oh, my goodness,” the suspect cried into his hands. “Oh, my goodness.”
The dramatic incident serves as a painful reminder that even the best of people can buckle under life’s many demands and challenges, and that not all criminals are born bad.
Booth’s bail was set at $44,000.
