Miami Judge Mindy Glazer leaves accused burglar in tears: ‘He was the best kid in middle school’

A Miami-Dade County Judge left an accused burglar in tears on Tuesday when a question she asked made him realize they were friends in middle school.

Judge Mindy Glazer noticed the familiar face from Nautilus Middle School, suspect Arthur Booth, a local ABC affiliate reported Thursday. 

Ms. Glazer asked if Mr. booth, who is facing numerous charges including burglary and grand theft, had attended the school. 

“Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness!” Mr. Booth exclaimed before breaking down in to sobs. 

“I’m sorry to see you here,” Ms. Glazer told Mr. Booth, the station reported. “I always wondered what happened to you sir.” 

Ms. Glazer said “he was the nicest kid in middle school” and lamented the choices that led him to her courtroom.

“I used to play football with him, all the kids, and look what has happened,” Ms. Glazer said, Local 10 reported. “I’m so sorry to see this.”  

Mr. Booth’s cousin, Melissa Miller, told the station that Mr. Booth had the potential to do great things with his life, but that future was destroyed by drugs and crime. 

She added that she believed Mr. Booth felt ashamed when he saw Ms. Glazer. 

“It just brought back memories of how smart he was,” Ms. Miller said, the station reported. “He was a scholar, well-rounded athlete, bilingual.” 

Ms. Glazer wished Mr. Booth well in turning his life around. 

“Good luck to you sir. I hope you’re able to come out of this okay and just lead a lawful life,”  the station reported.

Ms. Glazer set Mr. Booth’s bond at $44,000.