Many may be aware of the heist at the Isabella Stuart Art museum; but fewer may be aware of the role a one time Milton resident may or may not have had in the affair. So here on this 9th anniversary of the largest art theft in U. S.history, is a brief profile of Myles Connor, one time Milton resident, who told Time Magazine in 1997 that, “I know emphatically and beyond any doubt” who stole the art.

His father was a Milton cop. One of his brothers was also a cop and another a priest. Myles was neither. He was a rock guitarist with “Myles and the Wild Ones.” He also became a  con man and art thief. The  band was relatively successful. They played the Beachcomber over in Marina Bay and opened for Sha Na Na.

Mr. Connor’s first art theft took place here in Milton. In 1966 he robbed the Forbes House Museum, wounding a state trooper in the process. He was arrested, convicted, served time and was paroled in 1972.  And he just went on from there. The Boston Herald ran a comprehensive story of his exploits last year. (please see link below).

Despite his claims, the paintings have not been recovered. Mr. Connor is coming out with a book later this year, Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son.

Related links:

Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum — Wikipedia entry

Meet the suspects: Myles J. Connor Jr. — from the Boston Herald

THE GREAT ART CAPER: Is the heist of the century about to be solved — from Time Magazine

Myles Connor’s web site, home the President of Rock ‘n Roll

Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son — Barnes and Noble