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Brooke Astor's Son Found Guilty Of Grand Larceny
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 8, 2009
Modified Oct 8, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 8, 2009
Modified Oct 8, 2009
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After a 19 week long trial, a jury has found Anthony Marshall guilty on one count of first-degree grand larceny related to stealing the $200 million fortune of his late mother, the philanthropist Brooke Astor. The NY Times notes, "Barring an appeal, the jury’s verdict means that [Marshall], an 85-year-old war veteran who fought at Iwo Jima, can be sentenced to anywhere from 1 to 25 years behind bars."
Marshall was, as the Post reports, "cleared of second first-degree grand larceny charging he swindled his mother into thinking she was broke so he could sell her favorite painting for $10 million and pocket a $2 million commission," but all told, he was found guilty of 16 of the 18 counts, such as conspiracy and scheming to defraud. Francis Morrissey, Marshall's lawyer who also handled Astor's will, was found "guilty of forgery and conspiracy and faces up to seven years behind bars."
Prosecutors told the jury that Marshall was driven to loot Astor's estate—as she was ailing with Alzheimer's—because his second wife Charlene wanted more money. The Daily News reports that Charlene Marshall "practically yelled,I love my husband," while leading him through the courtroom. The prosecution also accused Marshall of elder abuse (cutting back on her care, not letting her buy creams and nightgowns), while he and his wife enjoyed Astor's riches.
Marshall's sentencing is scheduled for December, but his lawyers will probably appeal—they do have the instance of the allegedly threatened juror.
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Anthony Marshall
Brooke Astor
grand larceny
trial
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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