Walking Through Walls

A riveting, first-person account of George Feder’s picaresque career as America’s most wanted jewel thief. Dubbed “the Houdini of jewel thieves” by Miami police and the F.B.I., Feder’s chosen arena is the high-risk world of high-rise residences. Growing up in a Queens’s neighborhood where working stiffs and wise guys mingled and casual larceny was the norm, in adolescence Feder chooses his career path. By early manhood he finds Frankie, a psychotic master jewel thief; over a few years he persuades him to take him on as an apprentice. Under Frankie’s tutelage Feder learns the intricacies of stealing at altitude, along with introductions to elite Miami fences, corrupt attorneys and well-wired fixers throughout the United States. Reaping a fortune in stolen jewelry, Feder soon outgrows the demon ridden Frankie. After a fractious? parting he debuts as a solo act. For a decade he torments law enforcement in Florida, Chicago, California, New York and points between, seemingly walking through walls to carry off some of the finest jewelry ever made. With success comes wealth, arrogance and the admiration of lesser criminals along with a coven of voyeuristic hangers-on. Living extra large, a criminal superstar, Feder is hooked on the ultimate opiate of adrenaline. Success feeds his habit; increasingly brazen, he takes greater and greater chances to reap still greater rewards. His first arrest comes in a chance encounter with police. Charges are dismissed but Feder is a marked man, repeatedly arrested then allowed to post bond. Feeling cornered, Feder flees. Completely out of control, he escalates his activities, bringing more and more attention to his crimes and raising the odds against him still further. A final, supremely reckless attempt brings arrest in Chicago. To escape certain Federal time, he jumps bail and continues on the lam until he’s betrayed—by Frankie, his former mentor. By refusing to implicate others in his crimes, Feder spends a harrowing decade of hard time. Paroled and caring for aged and ailing parents, repentance and atonement come hard. After seeking solace in alcohol and cocaine, Feder bottoms out. Acknowledging that his unhappiness is caused by his own behavior, he seeks spiritual guidance, enters a 12-step program and turns his life around through sobriety, volunteer work and re-establishing a relationship with his estranged daughter. Rededicating his life to atone for his crimes, Feder works tirelessly to educate the public on ways to make their lives, families and homes safer from thieves. After inventing a pick-proof door lock, he emerges on the national stage through many appearances as a crime prevention expert and reporter on “America’s Most Wanted,” the Fox Network’s series.

This is a one paragraph “Executive Summary”/ “Film Treatment”

© George N. Feder 2008