Charges against a burglary-theft ring that struck the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2013 neared a conclusion when three men were found guilty by a federal court jury Feb. 7.
Nicholas Dombek, 54; Damien Boland, 48; and Joseph Atsus, 50, were named in the unanimous verdict. Alfred Atsus, Joseph's brother, was acquitted on all charges. Neither of the Atsus brothers was named in the jury instruction specifically involving the Museum. Dombek and Boland were also convicted of burglarizing the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. Numerous other places were invaded according to the jury.
Under federal law, stealing "objects of cultural heritage" is a specific crime. The indictment accused the ring of heisting the 1903 Belmont Stakes trophy valued at $150,000, 1905 Saratoga Special trophy ($24,000), and 1903 Brighton Cup trophy ($35,000) from the Museum; nine World Series rings awarded to Yogi Berra ($500,000); the Roger Maris 1961 MVP trophy (value not stated); and other historical items. According to the indictment, the thefts began in 1999 and continued for more than 20 years.
In addition to the four who went to trial, Ralph Parry and Frank Tassiello pleaded guilty when they were indicted in May 2023; Thomas Trotta was also indicted in May 2023 and entered a guilty plea about six weeks later; and Dawn Trotta pleaded guilty in February 2024.
The primary charges against the four men was conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Brien Bouyea, director at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., said, "We thank the tireless work of the law enforcement officers on this case as well as the prosecuting attorneys for bringing these criminals to justice."
According to Bouyea, the Museum did not recover any of the stolen items. "Items were insured, but we have no comment on the payout value," Bouyea told BloodHorse via email.
Asked about burglary prevention at the Musuem, Bouyea said the perpetrators worked fast. "There was some inaccuracy in other reporting. Our alarm system worked as expected the evening of the robbery, but the criminals beat the police response time. We have enhanced our security measures since this incident."
According to the instructions given to the jury, at trial the government produced evidence of items stolen from the Bertoni Gallery, Everhart Museum, Lackawanna Historical Society, Space Farms: Zoo and Museum, Ringwood Manor, Roger Maris Museum, United States Golf Association Golf Museum and Library, and the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in addition to the two horse racing museums.
A story about the jury verdict was first reported by Thoroughbred Daily News.
Sentencing will be handed down at a date to be determined.
