All posts by : Ryan Ruddock

On 7/5/23, 63-year-old Paul Prosano was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in the robbery of a Stamford, CT-based jewelry store owner named Mark Vuono.

In March 2020, Prosano and his two accomplices, Robert Rallo, and Thomas Liberatore, robbed Mark Vuono, which resulted in Vuono being shot and killed during the robbery. Police found Vuono dead in front of the store’s safe. The subjects escaped with a large value of jewelry. The suspects were later arrested after police located a vehicle the suspects used at the time of the robbery.

Robert Rallo was found to have fired the shots that killed Vuono. He is currently serving a 40-year sentence for committing the murder. Liberatore, is currently awaiting sentencing and was convicted on federal robbery charges.

On July 5, 2023, at 08:28 p.m., two unknown males wearing all-black clothing entered a jewelry store in Forestville, MD.� The individuals entered carrying a sledgehammer and proceeded to the bridal case and smashed the top of the display case.� They then removed most of the pieces from the case and fled on foot.� The subjects were described as two Black males. Both subjects were dressed in all black and are approximately 6’1″ and 175 lbs.� Both wore black ski masks and gloves. If you have any information regarding these subjects, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.

On 6/25/23, at approximately 6:45 p.m., a retail jewelry store experienced a grab and run.� Upon entry into the store, the subject indicated he was looking for a gift for his brother.� The subject then began inquiring about rings, when he eventually pointed to a ring he wanted to view.� Immediately upon taking possession of the ring, the subject fled the store.� The subject was described as a Hispanic male, in his late 20’s. He is approximately 5’6”, and weighs 170 lbs.� He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball hat. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

On 6/27/23, a retail jewelry store was the victim of an armed robbery.� Three males entered the store and began looking at jewelry in multiple showcases.� After a few minutes, the males asked to see an item in the men’s diamond fashion showcase.� As soon as the team member unlocked the side-by-side showcase, the males pushed the glass door open, and all three males reached inside.� While doing so, the males threatened to shoot anyone who got in their way, although no weapons were observed.� Once the males grabbed merchandise, they ran out of the store and entered a black Dodge Charger.� the subjects were described as� three Black males. They are in their early to mid-20’s. They each had thin builds and were last seen wearing yellow “construction” type shirts/vests, hats, and facial masks.

On 6/23/23, at approximately 7:03 p.m., a grab and run was reported to have occurred at a jewelry store. A male subject requested to see chains. The team member engaged the subject by gathering information for clienteling. As the team member was accessing the case, the subject forced open the case, stole four chains, and then fled the store with the pieces. In addition, three other chains were damaged. The team member is reporting bruising on her arms from being pushed into the showcase by the subject.

Subject Description: Black male, 5’11”, heavy stocky build, black hair, and beard. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black jogging pants with blue pockets, and white tennis shoes.

If you have any information, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

On 6/18/23, a guest made a purchase at a jewelry store for three pieces of gold.� He paid in cash and produced 14 $100 bills and 2 $50.00 bills.� Team members indicated that they tested the bills with the counterfeit pens and all checked OK. � The transaction was completed and the guest left with his merchandise. � On 6/22/23, the store was made aware by the bank that 10 of the $100 bills were counterfeit, therefore shorting the deposit by $1000.�

Mall security was able to provide the police with a picture and possible license plate of the guest as he left the mall. The subject was described as a Black male in his late 30’s to early 40’s.� He is about 5’7″ with a stocky/muscular build.� He was last seen wearing a white shirt and red pants. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

On 06/20/23, a grab and run occurred at a retail jewelry store.� A male subject requested to see a chain.� During the presentation, the subject grabbed the chain and fled the location with the stolen piece.� There were no reports of injury.� The subject was described as a Black male in his mid 50’s. He is bald and was last seen wearing blue denim, a white t-shirt, and carrying a blue Walmart bag. If you have any information regarding this subject, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.