Crime

One Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Robbery of CT Jeweler

CrimeApr 07, 2022

One Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Robbery of CT Jeweler

Marco Jewelers owner Mark Vuono was shot and killed in his store in March 2020.

Mark Vuono of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut was shot and killed in his jewelry store in March 2020. One of the men indicted for the fatal armed robbery pleaded guilty this week. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Stamford, Conn.—One of the men indicted for the fatal armed robbery of Marco Jewelers owner Mark Vuono pleaded guilty this week.
 
Robert Rallo, 58, of Brooklyn, New York pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, also known as a Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, as per a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut.
 
He also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
 
There are three suspects in total in the crime, all of whom have been indicted. The other two are Thomas Liberatore of White Plains, New York, and Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano of Brooklyn.
 
On the afternoon of March 28, 2020, Stamford police officers responded to Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut, following a call from a customer.
 
Police and medical personnel arrived to find that Vuono had been shot and was lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Mark Vuono was remembered by loved ones as “a hard working, gentle, kind and caring soul” in a Facebook post. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Mark Vuono was remembered by loved ones as “a hard working, gentle, kind and caring soul” in a Facebook post. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)
 
After analyzing surveillance video, investigators determined Rallo and Liberatore were driven in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers and entered the store.
 
Rallo, armed with a handgun, got into a physical altercation with Vuono, who also had a firearm, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases.
 
Vuono and Rallo fought in front of the open safe for about three minutes, said investigators.
 
Rallo reached into the safe and retrieved a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver, and shot Vuono with the revolver, killing him.
 
Law enforcement traced the black Jaguar to Staten Island, New York and kept tabs on the car.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Two days after the robbery, on the night of March 30, investigators said Prosano pulled up beside the car in a black BMW X3. Rallo exited that car and got into the driver’s side of the black Jaguar.
 
Police followed as the two cars sped off, both later crashing with the two men attempting to flee on foot before being apprehended.
 
Investigators found 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring, and a cufflink inside the BMW as well as 23 pairs of earrings and three rings in Prosano’s home, all of which were stolen from Marco Jewelers.
 
Rallo and his two associates have been detained since their arrests.
 
Rallo’s guilty plea was made during his change of plea hearing this week. The other two suspects have not taken steps to change their pleas, according to court documents.
 
U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley scheduled Rallo’s sentencing for June 28.  
 
As per the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed a sentence of between 25 years and life in prison is appropriate in this case.
 
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department are conducting the investigation with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers Police Department and New Rochelle Police Department.
 
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.
 
 
Lenore Fedowis the associate editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

AuctionsMar 21, 2023
Marlene Dietrich’s Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet Going Up for Auction

Expected to earn up to $4.5 million, the “Jarretière” bracelet is the star of Christie’s “The Magnificent Jewels of Anne Eisenhower” sale.

ColumnistsMar 21, 2023
Squirrel Spotting: Customer Retention Mindset—The New CRM

With jewelry sales coming down from their pandemic highs, retailers need to do all they can to retain existing customers, Peter Smith says.

Events & AwardsMar 21, 2023
ASJRA’s May Conference Examines ‘Iconic’ Jewelry Companies

Jewelry historians, authors, and experts will explore the works of Tiffany & Co., Oscar Heyman, Verdura, and more.

Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

IndependentsMar 21, 2023
Borsheims Executive Jennifer Johnson Retires

Johnson joined the retailer in 1987, establishing its first human resources department.

Weekly QuizMar 17, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Recorded WebinarsMar 20, 2023
Watch: Lab Grown Diamonds: What's Now? What's New? What's Next?

Supplier Spotlight Presented by IGI

Events & AwardsMar 20, 2023
Gem Awards Shine Spotlight on Design, Dedication, and Family

The industry gathered to celebrate those who elevate the jewelry and watch industries.

Brought to you by
Bringing Over 130 Years of Diamond Expertise to Modern Grading

De Beers Institute of Diamonds provides the very best in diamond verification, education and diamond services.

CollectionsMar 20, 2023
A New Book on Chanel Is a High Jewelry Lover’s Dream

It highlights Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lasting influence on modern design.

Recorded WebinarsMar 17, 2023
Watch: Lessons From Gems

Jewelers of America’s Amanda Gizzi explores the qualities and accomplishments that make this year’s Gem Award nominees shine.

Events & AwardsMar 17, 2023
JCK Industry Fund Announces Grant Recipients

Here’s what the nine chosen organizations plan to do with the funds.

TrendsMar 17, 2023
Piece of the Week: Anita Ko’s Award-Ready Earrings

The designer is nominated for a Gem Award for Jewelry Design.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Winter Weather, Declining Engagements Weigh on Signet’s Results

The jewelry giant’s full-year sales were essentially flat, brought down by fourth-quarter declines.

FinancialsMar 16, 2023
Brilliant Earth Took a Record Number of Orders in 2022

In its recent results, the company highlighted non-bridal jewelry sales and said its “inventory-light” showroom model may change.

Events & AwardsMar 16, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Sparkling Gems

See 15 fabulous pieces from the 2023 Gem Award for Jewelry Design nominees: Anita Ko, Kirsty Stone, and Ron Anderson and David Rees.

WatchesMar 16, 2023
Citizen’s New Eco-Drive Watches Run for a Full Year

The new Cal. E365 movement doubles the running time of the current Eco-Drive models.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Amid Uncertainties, India’s Diamond Industry Continues to Adjust

The mood among diamantaires is fairly optimistic despite the challenges brought about by sanctions and a cloudy economic outlook.

Lab-GrownMar 15, 2023
India’s Lab-Grown Diamond Industry Is Growing Up

The mood is bullish as more companies get into the business despite the dramatic drop in lab-grown diamond prices.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Q&A: GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah

Shah talks with National Jeweler about diamond demand, lab-grown, and why it’s difficult to make predictions about the U.S. market.

Policies & IssuesMar 15, 2023
When Diamonds Replenish the Earth

Hari Krishna Exports and the Dholakia Foundation’s “Mission 100 Sarovar” aims to create 100 lakes to help revive an area of Gujarat.

TechnologyMar 15, 2023
Sarine’s New Website Schools Consumers on Traceability

The educational resource will highlight the positive impact diamonds can make on their journey from mine to market.

SourcingMar 15, 2023
Canada’s Ekati Diamond Mine to Get a New Owner

Australian mining company Burgundy Diamond Mines announced plans to buy the mine in a deal valued at $136 million.

AuctionsMar 15, 2023
Antique Rings Discovered by Retirees Perform Well at Auction

A 17th-century gold seal ring and an 18th-century memento mori ring met or exceeded estimates at a recent Noonans auction.

Events & AwardsMar 15, 2023
JSA Announces Award Recipients

They will be recognized at the organization’s annual luncheon this weekend in New York City.

ColumnistsMar 14, 2023
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Do in January and February?

Sherry Smith breaks down the results so far this year, including which categories are the sales standouts and which are struggling.

MajorsMar 14, 2023
Dutch Historian Discovers Medieval Jewels

The 1,000-year-old find is now on display in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities.

Events & AwardsMar 14, 2023
GemGenève Is Gearing Up for Its Biggest Show Yet

More than 200 exhibitors are scheduled for the May 11-14 event.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy