Miami

Burglary Suspect in Viral Reunion With Judge Gets Probation

A man whose emotional reunion with a Miami-Dade judge after he was arrested on burglary charges went viral was sentenced to 10 years of probation Tuesday as part of a plea deal.

Arthur Booth will serve no additional jail time as part of his guilty plea but will spend time in a drug treatment program, his attorney said.

Booth was given a suspended sentence, meaning he might be sent to prison if he violates probation.

"He's doing well, he's optimistic, he's very grateful to be given a second chance," attorney Alexander Strassman said.

Booth was arrested last July in Hialeah on charges including burglary, grand theft and fleeing. When he appeared before Judge Mindy Glazer in bond court, Glazer immediately recognized Booth from their days at Nautilus Middle School.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness," Booth said, as he began crying after making the connection.

"I'm sorry to see you there, I always wondered what happened to you sir," Glazer said, as Booth continued crying. "This was the nicest kid in middle school, he was the best kid in middle school. I used to play football with him, all the kids, and look what has happened."

Video of the emotional encounter quickly went viral. Strassman said Booth hopes to move on from the arrest.

"He's anxious to get on with his life, anxious to make the best of it," Strassman said.

Booth was reunited with Glazer outside the courtroom Tuesday after his hearing.

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