TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
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.
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.
“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.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
