Thomas Trotta, a 49-year-old resident of Dunmore, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison for the theft of major artwork. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion on March 13, 2025. In addition to his prison term, Trotta is required to pay restitution amounting to $2,759,073 and will be subject to supervised release following his imprisonment.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that Trotta had pleaded guilty to stealing various valuable items. Among the stolen pieces were “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” by Jackson Pollock from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania; nine World Series rings and other memorabilia belonging to Yogi Berra from the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in New Jersey; and six championship belts from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York.
The thefts were part of a larger conspiracy involving eight individuals. Co-conspirators Nicholas Dombek, Damien Boland, and Joseph Atsus were convicted earlier this year on charges related to the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Three additional conspirators have already been sentenced: Dawn Trotta received 15 months’ imprisonment, Frank Tassiello six months’ imprisonment, and Ralph Parry three years of probation with home confinement.
After stealing the items, the group would transport them back to northeastern Pennsylvania where they would often melt down memorabilia into metal discs or bars for easier sale in New York City. Despite these efforts to conceal their activities, several stolen firearms have been recovered by investigators.
The investigation was conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies including the FBI and police departments across multiple states. Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan, Jenny Roberts, and Sean Camoni led the prosecution of this case.
