Art
Final Suspect in 20-Year Art Heist Case Turns Himself In
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Jeffrey from Dunmore, PA via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 2.0
The final suspect in a 20-year art-theft scheme has turned himself in to authorities in Pennsylvania, report WNEP’s Courtney Harrison and Stacy Lange.
Nicholas Dombek surrendered on Monday at the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton. A judge denied him bail at his first court appearance on Tuesday, so he remains in custody.
For over six months, Dombek had been considered a fugitive. He was the only suspect who did not immediately surrender himself after prosecutors filed charges against nine people in June.
Authorities have accused Dombek and the other suspects of orchestrating an elaborate, multi-year heist. They allege that, starting as early as 1999, the nine individuals worked together to break into museums and other institutions in multiple states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, North Dakota and Rhode Island. Once inside, they stole millions of dollars worth of artwork, sports memorabilia and cultural artifacts, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
Court documents suggest that the suspects would repeatedly visit selected venues to scope out their security protocols and look at the items they planned to steal, as reported by Rolling Stone’s Andrea Marks. Then, after these reconnaissance missions, they’d return when the facilities were closed, smashing down doors and display cases to nab various items.
Sometimes, they even wore disguises—like a fireman’s uniform or a painter’s mask—to enter museums, per the magazine.
The list of objects authorities say the suspects stole is long. It includes nine of Yogi Berra’s World Series rings, an early 20th-century Tiffany lamp, gold nuggets, antique firearms, jewelry and dozens of sports trophies.
Authorities still don’t know where many of these items are. They claim, however, that when possible, the suspects melted down their stolen goods and sold the resulting metal discs or bars in New York City. Prosecutors say that much of this process occurred at Dombek’s home in northeastern Pennsylvania; they also allege that he burnt a Jasper Cropsey painting worth roughly $500,000 so that investigators could not use it as evidence.
What Dombek has been doing—and where exactly he has been hiding—for the last six months is unclear, though his attorney, Ernie Preate, tells WNEP that he has been in the area. Preate says Dombek called him on New Year’s Day and announced he wanted to turn himself in.
The other suspects in the case have been making a number of court appearances. Four of them—Daryl Rinker, Ralph Parry, Frank Tassiello and Thomas Trotta—pleaded guilty in late June and early July. Meanwhile, three others—Damien Boland, Alfred Atsus and Joseph Atsus—have entered not-guilty pleas. State police also seized nearly 200 guns from Rinker’s home.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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