Crime

3 Suspects Charged in Fatal Robbery of Connecticut Jeweler

CrimeApr 14, 2020

3 Suspects Charged in Fatal Robbery of Connecticut Jeweler

One suspect is alleged to have been involved in the robbery of a second jewelry store in Connecticut.

20200414_Marco_Jewelers.jpg
Mark Vuono of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut was shot and killed in his jewelry store March 28. Investigators have arrested and charged three suspects believed to be responsible. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)

Stamford, Conn.—Three suspects have been charged with robbery in the armed and fatal holdup at Marco Jewelers in Stamford late last month.

During the robbery, store owner Mark Vuono was shot and killed.

The suspects, taken into custody last week, are: Robert Rallo, 56, of Brooklyn, New York; Thomas Liberatore, 62, of White Plains, New York; and Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano 59, of Brooklyn, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut.

The defendants all have extensive criminal histories, according to court documents, and met while serving time in state prisons in New York.

Stamford police officers responded to Marco Jewelers on the afternoon of March 28 and found evidence of a robbery.

Court documents state that emergency medical personnel found Vuono lying on the ground in front of an open safe. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Video surveillance obtained by investigators shows Rallo and Liberatore arriving in a black Jaguar and entering the store.

Armed with a handgun, Rallo got into a physical altercation with Vuono while Liberatore took items from the display cases, said investigators.

Rallo and Vuono, who also had a firearm, struggled next to the open safe.

In the midst of the struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and grabbed another gun, a .357 Magnum revolver, and shot and killed Vuono, investigators said.

Law enforcement traced the black Jaguar to Staten Island, New York and kept tabs on the car.

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 are suspected to have been stolen from Marco Jewelers.

The third man, Liberatore, was also arrested on March 30.

Investigators allege that he was involved in another jewelry store robbery, stealing a Honda Civic from a car dealer in Yonkers, New York then driving to Greenwich, Connecticut to rob Byram Jewelers.

Liberatore entered the store and asked to see engagement rings then pulled out a pistol on the employee, broke the showcase and stole jewelry.

“These three defendants are alleged

to have committed a brazen, violent robbery that left an innocent victim dead,” U.S. Attorney John H. Durham said in a press release.

“The FBI, Stamford Police, Greenwich Police and our other law enforcement partners have conducted an extraordinary investigation that resulted in the quick apprehension of these three men before they could wreak any additional havoc.”

Federal criminal complaints charge the suspects with Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.

Additional charges are expected, said Durham, noting the investigation is ongoing in coordination with state officials.

The suspects have been detained in New York on state parole violation charges and arrest warrants have been issued, which have been lodged as detainers.

“During this crisis within a crisis, which created many logistical obstacles, federal and local agencies worked hand in hand and got this job done,” said Stamford Police Captain Richard Conklin, praising the teamwork of the various law enforcement agencies despite challenges related to COVID-19.

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 senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.
tags:

The Latest

Silvia Furmanovich Kasmir Collection Carnelian Bracelet and Sketch
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern India

The “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.

Bench jeweler holding a bracelet and a tool
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo

Creative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.

LAFD Fire Station 44 and Fire Station 16
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief

Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

A Vanitas by Hannah Martin and Guy Berryman Sothebys
CollectionsJul 22, 2025
Jewelry With a Rock ‘n’ Roll Aesthetic Heads to Sotheby’s London

Next week, the auction house will kick off a selling exhibition of jewelry by British artist Hannah Martin and Coldplay’s Guy Berryman.

Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Cover of the book “Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History”
SourcingJul 22, 2025
Antwerp Diamond Heist Documentary Coming to Netflix

“Stolen: Heist of the Century” is based on “Flawless,” the book about the middle-of-the-night theft, and will debut on Netflix in August.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJul 22, 2025
The Gifting Gap: How to Market Jewelry Beyond the Holidays

Emmanuel Raheb shares the top five gifting moments outside of major holidays that jewelers should build marketing campaigns around.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

NY Now
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2025
NY Now’s Summer Market Returns in August

The wholesale trade show’s Luxury Lifestyle section will showcase established and emerging jewelry designers.

Jeweler setting a diamond into a ring
MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization Offerings

As demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.

National Associate of Jewelry Appraisers Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go Virtual

The mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.

Jacquie Aiche graduated turquoise beaded necklace
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors

Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Lewis Heyman
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement Plans

He retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.

CCWW Designs Multiple Shell Charm Necklace
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm Necklace

The charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.

The Plumb Club board members
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board Members

The organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.

Jewelry industry veterans Brad Campbell and John Liebler
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team

Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.

Silver, Gold, and Bronze Medals for Italy Olympic Winter Games
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes Unity

The medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.

vimeo screenshot.png
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up!

Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025

Guinness
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGov

Globally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.

Gina Ferranti
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59

The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at Diavik

Production at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.

Jewelers of America Learning Workship Logo
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This Fall

A new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Gold bracelets and bangles
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers List

The middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.

Buccellati Opera high jewelry bracelet
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1

It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.

Rolex Datejust ref. 16233
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches

The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.

Jean Dinh Van Orgue Ring
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With Exhibition

The auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.

×

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