Mastermind Behind Theft Of Basilio & Zale Belts Sentenced To Ten Years

Nicholas Dombek was sentenced on February 10, 2026, to 120 months (10 years) in federal prison for his lead role in a decades-long museum theft ring. Senior U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion also ordered Dombek, 55, to serve a term of supervised release and pay $2,753,266.30 in restitution. He was the final defendant sentenced in a conspiracy that targeted 20 museums and cultural institutions across several states—including Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey—over a 20-year period.

Charges: Dombek was found guilty of eight counts, including conspiracy, theft of major artwork, concealment/disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
The Heist Ring: Prosecutors described Dombek as a leader of an eight-person group that stole millions of dollars’ worth of art and memorabilia, including works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock from the Everhart Museum in Scranton. The most notable thefts in regards to boxing were the November 2015 theft of six championship belts from the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, NY. Two Ring Magazine middleweight championship belts belonging to Tony Zale were stolen, along with four belts from Canstota’s own Carmen Basilio: The Ring Magazine welterweight (2) and middleweight (1) championship belts, along with the New York state welterweight championship belt.
Destruction of Items: Many stolen items, such as World Series rings belonging to Yogi Berra, were melted down for their raw metal value, while a painting by Jasper Cropsey was reportedly burned to avoid discovery by investigators.
Legal Proceedings: Dombek was convicted in February 2025 following a month-long trial. He had previously spent nearly six months on the lam after his 2023 indictment before turning himself in on New Year’s Day 2024.

Dombek and several other accomplices were arrested back in June of 2023, eight years after the IBHOF theft of the belts. Fightnews reported that story, which can be read here.

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