La Grange Connection: Infamous Diamond Thief Pleads Guilty in Chicago

Who would have thought that an attempted bank robbery in La Grange would play a role in the arrest of a mob connected thief?

Does that sound like something out of a Hollywood movie?

There's a connection there too, but yes, La Grange police did play a role in the arrest of Joseph Jerry "The Monk" Scalise, 74, who pleaded guilty in Chicago federal court today to four charges—including racketeering.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the plea deal could put the mob-connected thief away for nine years.

Scalise gained infamy in 1980 when he helped steal the 45-carat Marlborough Diamond from a London jewelry store. The diamond has never been found, but Scalise was convicted and given 13 years in prison. According to the Associated Press, Scalise told reporters outside of the hearing today that if insurers wanted to pay enough money, they could get the diamond back.

Scalise has a long criminal history ABC Chicago reported, which includes being tied to mob murders. He was arrested most recently when the FBI busted plans by Scalise; Robert Pullia, 70; and Arthur "The Genius" Rachel, 73, to rob an armored car in La Grange and to commit the home invasion of a deceased Chicago mob boss' former home in Chicago. They were arrested outside the home in Chicago in 2010.

And that Hollywood connection? Before being busted for the most recent charges, Scalise worked as a technical advisor on the film Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp in 2008.

The La Grange Connection

According to the FBI, the three men were attempting an armed robbery of the First National Bank of La Grange. The FBI had been working with La Grange police since a robbery at a Harris Bank branch on La Grange Road, for which the robbers made off with more than $100,000.

Police recovered DNA evidence that indicated Scalise in the getaway car.

The men were getting ready for a second robbery at the First National Bank of La Grange, and planned to steal a bag of cash that was to be picked up by an armored car. Scalise and his accomplices were seen near the bank conducting surveillance many times, according to the FBI.

Conversations intercepted by agents through court-ordered surveillance showed the men were also planning the Bridgeport home invasion. The men were followed to Princeton Street in Chicago on April 8, 2010 and arrested.

In a in August of 2011, Police Chief Michael Holub praised Noel for his dedication to the force and listed his many honors, which included his graduation from the FBI National Academy. In 2010, Noel was an officer who coordinated with the FBI on a joint investigation of the planned bank robbery.

"We were very honored and pleased that the FBI included us," Chief Holub said today when asked about Scalise's guilty plea. "We were able to provide some local knowledge... and they felt comfortable trusting us."