Dubbed the “Houdini of Jewel Thieves,” George Feder — or “Georgie” as his close friends call him — was forced into retirement by the FBI in 1977. He loved doing what he did and was an expert in his “field.” His passion for removing jewelry from high-class high-rise condominiums yielded a small fortune, an extravagant lifestyle, and ultimately, a 15 year prison sentence.
George was one of the few burglars talented enough to work the finest high-rise residences in the country. He mastered the art of picking locks and bypassing security systems. He was a daytime burglar, which required a specialized discipline. In fact, George was so good at what he did that at the time of his arrest, the FBI said that they knew of only nine other thieves in the world that could pull off heists similar to George’s. For a decade, he tormented law enforcement in Florida, Chicago, California, New York, and all points between – seemingly walking through walls to carry off some of the finest jewelry ever made.
Living extra large, a criminal superstar with strong ties to “Mafia Families” throughout the U.S., George got hooked on the ultimate opiate of adrenaline. Success fed his habit, increasingly brazen, he took greater and greater chances, until finally he learned the hard way that even the craftiest criminals get caught.
After years of hard time, and then trying to adjust to freedom once he was released, George turned his life around by adhering to the teachings learned in a “Twelve Step Program.” He was determined to use what he learned as a master jewel thief to educate the public on the criminal mind and teach them how to stay safe by simplifying his own unique brand of crime prevention.
Since his release from prison, George has been active in the media, including a stint as a reporter and crime prevention analyst for the TV show America’s Most Wanted, appearances on Court TV, infomercials, lectures, and interviews on radio shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Behind the scenes, George has worked with the Pinellas County, Fla. Sheriff’s Department Boot Camp Program and is an advocate and counselor for at-risk children. He also holds three U.S. patents for a lock that is impossible to pick.
George has just released his autobiography — Interview with a Jewel Thief — the story of how he went from a kid growing up in Queens to one of the world’s most infamous thieves, before spiraling into a deep dark pit of addiction and depression, and how he has turned his life around since.
Much in demand as a motivational speaker, George considers himself a messenger of truth, and he hopes that by sharing the story of his life, he can help others. If you have questions for George, or would like to share your story, please feel free to say hello.
ABOUT THE BOOK - Interview with a Jewel Thief
