Stradivarius violin theft: Universal Allah sentenced, Salah Salahadyn requests a new lawyer

MILWAUKEE (WITI) — It was to be the final note played out in the story of a stolen Stradivarius violin. The valuable violin was stolen from concertmaster Frank Almond following a concert in Wauwatosa nearly six months ago.

A judge on Thursday, July 24th sentenced 37-year-old Universal Allah to three-and-a-half years in prison, and three-and-a-half years of extended supervision for his role in the theft.

Allah pleaded guilty to a felony count of robbery as party to a crime.

Prosecutors say Allah provided the stun gun used to attack concertmaster Frank Almond as he left a performance in January.

The other man charged in the case, 42-year-old Salah Salahadyn was expected to change his not guilty plea on Thursday -- but instead requested a new lawyer. Salahadyn will be back in court next week.

Salahadyn walked out of the courtroom on Thursday after his public defender withdrew from the case -- citing a conflict of interest. He wouldn't elaborate on that conflict of interest.

Salahadyn will now get a new lawyer. He is expected to make a plea in the case -- as he says he does not want a trial.

"I will be pleading. I wish to have a plea, and that's all I can say at this point," Salahadyn said.

Salahadyn is accused of tasing Frank Almond and then grabbing the valuable Stradivarius violin as Almond fell to the ground.

Almond spoke at Universal Allah's sentencing.

"Anyone who considers a taser a non-lethal weapon has probably not experienced getting shot with one. 50,000 volts when the temperature is seven below zero is nothing short of brutal and it was pure chance I was not more seriously injured when I crumpled to the ice-covered concrete," Almond said.

Allah also spoke at his sentencing.

"I just want to humbly apologize to you, and everyone for making this mistake. It's a total setback with my life," Allah said.

The judge took into account that Allah had no prior record -- sentencing him to three-and-a-half years in prison and another three-and-a-half years of extended supervision.

"The idea that you were so naive as if to say your friend said 'Universal, how about picking up gun for me okay?' You're a friend. Don't be silly," Judge Dennis Moroney said.

Prosecutors say Salahadyn been plotting for a while to steal a Stradivarius.

Police recovered the 300-year-old Stradivarius in good condition after nine days.

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