Three Pennsylvania men have been convicted for their roles in a 20-year-long conspiracy to steal major artwork, sports memorabilia, and other priceless items from museums and institutions across the United States. The verdict came after a four-week jury trial, which concluded on February 7, 2025, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Nicholas Dombek, 54, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania; Damien Boland, 48, of Moscow, Pennsylvania; and Joseph Atsus, 48, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of stolen property, and interstate transportation of stolen property. The jury also convicted them on multiple related offenses.
The conspiracy, which involved at least nine individuals, spanned two decades, with the men stealing items ranging from rare paintings and championship rings to sports memorabilia and antique firearms. The stolen items include notable works such as Andy Warhol’s ‘Le Grande Passion’ and Jackson Pollock’s ‘Springs Winter’, as well as valuable artifacts like Yogi Berra’s World Series rings and the Roger Maris MVP trophy.
The thefts began in 1999 and continued through 2018, affecting numerous institutions, including the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in New Jersey, the Everhart Museum in Pennsylvania, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York. The criminals would steal the items, transport them back to northeastern Pennsylvania, and melt down the memorabilia into metal bars for easier sale. They then sold the metal for far less than the stolen items’ actual worth.
One of the most shocking revelations in the case involved Dombek, who burned a painting by Jasper Cropsey—’Upper Hudson’, valued at approximately $500,000—in an effort to destroy evidence and prevent its recovery by investigators.
While many of the stolen paintings and objects are still unaccounted for, authorities were able to recover some of the stolen antique firearms from New Jersey, which had been taken from Space Farms Zoo & Museum and Ringwood Manor Museum.
The theft ring was uncovered through a joint investigation by the FBI, state police from several states, and local law enforcement agencies across the country. The investigation also resulted in five additional co-conspirators pleading guilty, although former co-defendant Alfred Atsus was acquitted at trial.
The three men face serious penalties, including up to five years in prison for the conspiracy conviction, along with additional charges that could carry sentences of up to 10 years each. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus commented on the significance of the case, stating, “The conviction of these individuals highlights our commitment to protecting invaluable cultural heritage and holding those who attempt to profit from the theft of irreplaceable items accountable.”
