They are perhaps Hollywood’s most famous heels: an American will stand trial accused of stealing the red shoes worn by Judy Garland in the movie “The Wizard of Oz”.

Federal authorities in North Dakota announced Wednesday that Terry Martin, 76, has been charged.

The red sequined heels and bow had mysteriously disappeared in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the actress’ hometown. Thirteen years later they resurfaced, thanks largely to the actions of the FBI.

They were one of four couples left after the filming of the 1939 film.

As the years passed, the amount offered as a reward to anyone who found the shoes skyrocketed. In fact, an artist midwife offered 1 million dollars. North Dakota prosecutors estimate that the total amount reached 3.5 million.

This fact is explained by two factors: the adoration of the Americans for Garland, the legendary actress and singer who became famous at the age of 17 with the role of Dorothy but was to meet a tragic fate and die only at the age of 47, but also the significance of “The Wizard of Oz”, especially for the post-war generations of the ’40s and ’50s.

Prosecutors have not specified what the charge against Terry Martin is.

According to the local newspaper Star Tribune, the suspect lives about 20 kilometers from the Judy Garland Museum. “I will be tried, I refuse to talk to you,” the 76-year-old said when asked by the newspaper.