Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta

CHICAGO (AP) — A former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia pleaded guilty on Wednesday to transporting millions of dollars’ worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer’s iconic green jackets.

Richard Globensky, of Georgia, entered the plea in federal court in Chicago. He was charged with one count of transporting goods knowing they had been stolen.

“I plead guilty,” Globensky told the judge.

According to federal prosecutors, the 39-year-old took items from the warehouse for sellers in Florida, who then sold them online at a significant markup. Globensky was paid through a limited liability company set up in his wife’s name, among other ways. The scheme lasted for more than a decade and earned him more than $5 million.

As part of a plea deal, Globensky must write a $1.5 million cashier’s check to the government within days. He remains free on bond and faces a maximum 10-year prison term when he’s sentenced Oct. 29, but will likely get closer to two years in prison under federal guidelines.