Man Sentenced to 32 Years in 2020 CT Jeweler Murder
All three men convicted in connection with the murder of Marco Jewelers owner Mark Vuono have been sentenced to 30 years or more.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley sentenced Thomas Liberatore, 66, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, to 32 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
His sentencing follows that of Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano, 63, who, in July, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Robert Rallo, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in prison by the same judge in March.
While Rallo pleaded guilty, the other two men went to trial.
In December 2022, a jury found Liberatore and Prosano guilty of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery) and interstate transportation of stolen property. Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
The trial evidence established that Liberatore, who formerly resided in Stamford, orchestrated the robbery of Marco Jewelers.
Liberatore has a “lengthy” criminal history, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut, having served 30 years in prison prior to the robbery.
He met Rallo and Prosano while incarcerated within the New York State Department of Corrections.
“We are very pleased to see these three career criminals held accountable for this senseless murder, and we want to commend the tireless, cutting-edge police work that led to this outcome,” said Assistant Chief Richard Conklin of the Stamford Police Department in a statement following Rallo’s sentencing in March.
“While nothing we do can restore what the Vuono family has lost, we hope that this conviction and sentence can offer some solace.”
The fatal robbery took place 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.
After analyzing surveillance video, investigators determined Prosano drove Rallo and Liberatore to Marco Jewelers in a black Jaguar.
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 gun, a .357 Magnum revolver, and shot and killed Vuono.
Law enforcement traced the black Jaguar to Staten Island, New York, kept tabs on the car, and eventually apprehended the men.
Investigators found 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring, and a cufflink inside a vehicle, as well as 23 pairs of earrings and three rings in Prosano’s home, all of which were stolen from Marco Jewelers.
Authorities valued the stolen jewelry at between $360,000 and $430,000.
In a Facebook post, Mark Vuono was remembered by loved ones as, “a hard-working, gentle, kind, and caring soul.”
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.