A Thornhurst man\u00a0 was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Tuesday for his role as in an art and memorabilia theft ring that spanned a decade.<\/p>\n
In February of 2025, a jury found Nicholas Dombek, 55, guilty of nine counts related to his role in the heist ring which spanned two decades and included millions of dollars\u2019 worth of art, antique coins and firearms, World Series rings, golf trophies and more from museums, galleries, halls of fame, estates and jewelry stores in Pennsylvania, other states and Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n
U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion sentenced Dombek to 120 months, less than what federal prosecutors requested.<\/p>\n
During the two-hour sentencing hearing, defense attorney Gino Bartolai asked the judge for a reduced sentence indicating Dombek was a family man whose family depended on him for support and finances.<\/p>\n
Cindy Fiorani, Dombek\u2019s sister, took to the podium and painted a picture of Dombek as a science aficionado who always showed up to help. At several points during hearing, family members wept.<\/p>\n
But, before passing sentence, which also included restitution of $2.7 million and three years supervision following release, Mannion said he didn\u2019t believe Dombek was simply a kind person who wouldn\u2019t say \u201cno\u201d to his friends.<\/p>\n
His heart, the judge said, went out to the victims of the crime, which indirectly also included Dombek\u2019s family.<\/p>\n
He said Dombek had a \u201cJekyll and Hyde\u201d personality, who showed a responsible, respectful side to his family, but was ruthless in the crimes he committed which deprived people of irreplaceable cultural items.<\/p>\n
The loss of those items, was immeasurable, Mannion said, giving the example of a Yankees fan who always wanted to see Yogi Berra\u2019s World Series rings and now can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Many of the stolen items were not recovered, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is stuff out there that we don\u2019t know where it is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mannion pointed the crime ring targeted not only larger entities, but also \u201cMom and Pop\u201d businesses, who were devasted by the loss.<\/p>\n
Dombek was given a chance to speak during the sentencing hearing, but didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
However, when Mannion asked him if he had any questions for the court following the sentencing, Dombek said he wanted to appeal. Mannion said he Dombek until Feb. 24 to appeal and suggested he confer with Bartolai on the issue.<\/p>\n
At that point, Bartolai asked Mannion for permission to withdraw from the case as it moves to an appeal. He cited differences between him and Dombek on the appeal as well as a desire to for another attorney to set fresh eyes on the case.<\/p>\n
Mannion granted Bartolai\u2019s request, but asked if he could file initial paperwork which preserves Dombek\u2019s right to appeal and Bartolai agreed.<\/p>\n
Dombek, found guilty with two other men in the case, was the last to be sentenced.<\/p>\n
Check back for updates\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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