Federal authorities have recently announced charges against a group of nine individuals involved in a series of thefts totaling millions of dollars. These thefts included valuable paintings, sports memorabilia, and other valuable items. Among the stolen items were an Andy Warhol silkscreen and a Jackson Pollock painting, as well as nine World Series rings belonging to the late Yankees Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra.
The thefts occurred over a span of more than two decades and took place at various museums and institutions across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and North Dakota. The US attorney in Pennsylvania stated that some of the stolen sports memorabilia had been melted down.
Authorities have recovered some of the stolen items, but it is unclear which items will be returned to their owners or the museums. Eight of the nine individuals involved have turned themselves in, while the ninth suspect, Nicholas Dombek, remains a fugitive.
According to court records, at least five of the suspects have already entered into preliminary plea agreements on charges including theft of major artwork and conspiracy to dispose of major objects of cultural heritage. The suspects range in age from late 40s to early 50s and are residents of Pennsylvania.
The indictments reveal that the thieves melted down the gold items and sold them as transportable discs, though they were worth significantly less than the stolen items. The court documents also allege that Nicholas Dombek destroyed a painting by Jasper Cropsey by burning it to avoid it being used as evidence against him.
Several of the thefts occurred nearly 20 years ago, including the theft from the Everhart Museum in Scranton in 2005, where a Jackson Pollock painting and an Andy Warhol silkscreen were stolen. The stolen items had an estimated worth of $11.6 million and $15,000 respectively.
The stolen items include a jersey and contracts signed by Christy Mathewson, a Hall of Fame pitcher for the New York Giants, nine World Series rings, seven other rings, and two MVP plaques belonging to Yogi Berra. Additionally, a solid gold Hickok Belt encrusted in jewels, as well as an MVP plaque from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota were stolen. Furthermore, a Hickok Belt and US Amateur Trophy awarded to Ben Hogan from the USGA Golf Museum and Library, 12 trophies awarded to Art Wall Jr., and $300,000 worth of trophies from the National Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, New York were among the stolen items.
In conclusion, federal authorities have made significant progress in bringing charges against the individuals involved in a series of thefts of valuable paintings, sports memorabilia, and other valuable items. The investigation continues, and efforts are being made to recover and return the stolen items to their rightful owners and museums.
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