In the summer of 1975, two friends plotted a daring heist against the mob, targeting a vault filled with riches. As the scheme unfolded, they faced intense tension and doubts about their plan. The aftermath revealed the impact of gambling addictions and the treacherous nature of loyalty in the criminal world. Unraveling identity and betrayal, the narrative delves into the dark connections between organized crime and personal struggles. The mysterious circumstances surrounding one thief’s funeral hint at deeper conspiracies waiting to be uncovered.
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Quick takeaways
Robert Dusault's life of crime was shaped by his upbringing and trauma, which fostered a rebellious spirit and criminal ingenuity.
The audacious 1975 vault heist highlighted the risks of organized crime, showcasing the unraveling partnership between Dusault and Flynn amid mob tensions.
Deep dives
The Early Life of Robert Dusault
Robert Dusault was born in 1940 in Lowell, Massachusetts, into a large family where it was common to hold wakes at home. From a young age, he exhibited criminal behavior, often stealing valuables from homes during wakes with the help of his sister. Dusault's criminal activities escalated as he engaged in more sophisticated thefts, including robbing pawn shops and following delivery trucks to steal goods. His upbringing, along with a traumatic revelation about his true parental identity, fostered a rebellious spirit that led him into a life of crime, supported by his brothers and friends.
The Infamous Robbery Plan
In 1967, Robert Dusault, alongside his brothers and accomplices, planned an ambitious bank heist involving robbing two banks simultaneously. However, their plan was foiled when they were tipped off, resulting in their arrest at the first location. After serving a lengthy prison sentence, Dusault devised a scheme to steal valuable stamps while incarcerated, manipulating the prison’s stamp club for his own gain. The planning and execution of this heist demonstrated his continual criminal ingenuity, even from behind bars.
The Hudson Fur Storage Heist
In August 1975, Dusault teamed up with Chucky Flynn to rob the Hudson Fur Storage Facility in Providence, allegedly with the mob's approval due to unmet financial expectations from the associates. The heist was set to target a vault filled with safety deposit boxes containing a fortune worth millions in cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Despite a poorly planned entry which initially involved high-tech drills burning out, the crew resorted to brute force, successfully accessing and robbing 146 out of 148 safe deposit boxes. The estimated take from this audacious crime ranged from $30 million to $32 million, marking it as one of the largest robberies in U.S. history.
Aftermath and Betrayal
Post-heist, Dusault and Flynn enjoyed their ill-gotten gains, but tensions rose as Flynn's gambling addiction led to possible mismanagement of their loot. The criminal bond between the two began to unravel, and Dusault soon learned that the mob was targeting him due to his connection to the robbery. After emotions ran high during a confrontation between the two, Dusault ultimately confessed to the authorities, seeking witness protection in exchange for his cooperation. This decision resulted in the arrest and conviction of Flynn and others involved, but the mob boss, who sanctioned the robbery, notably escaped charges.