Guilty pleas came in to a burglary ring that stole art, other items including Warhol, Pollock

SCRANTON, PA –

Three of the nine people have pleaded guilty to federal charges in a burglary ring that authorities in northeastern Pennsylvania say stole works of art, including works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, as well as antique guns, sports memorabilia and other items from museums and other institutions over two decades.

Ralph Parry, 45, and Francesco “Frank” Tassiello, 50, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit theft of major works of art, concealment and removal of major works of art, and interstate transportation of stolen property, The (Scranton) Times-Tribune reported. Daryl Rinker, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal and remove major works of art and interstate transportation of stolen property, the paper reported.

Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced in June charges against nine Lackawanna County residents in 18 robberies of art, history, and sports museums and other institutions in six states between 1999 and 2019.

The thefts included artwork by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock taken from the Everhart Museum in Scranton in 2005 and a work by Jasper Cropsey and antique firearms worth hundreds of thousands of dollars taken from Ringwood Manor in New Jersey. Other works of art, antique weapons and precious stones and gold nuggets were taken from other institutions, along with valuable rings, belts and trophies for sports championships, authorities said.

Rinker purchased several stolen firearms, including an 1860s rifle worth $250,000, court documents said. The weapons were seized during the investigation and remain in the custody of the FBI, prosecutors said.

Rinker’s attorney, Chris Caputo, said his client was “deeply sorry” and stressed that he was not part of the actual thefts. Tassiello’s lawyer declined to comment and attempts to reach Parry’s lawyer were unsuccessful, the Times-Tribune reported. Both men were involved as drivers, court records said.

Plea hearings are scheduled for two other defendants on Wednesday. Three others are scheduled for release later this year and one person remains at large, authorities said.