SCRANTON, Pa. — Three of nine people have pleaded guilty to federal charges in a burglary ring that authorities in northeastern Pennsylvania say stole artwork — including works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock — as well as antique weapons, 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 artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork and interstate transportation of stolen property, The (Scranton) Times-Tribune reported. Daryl Rinker, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit concealment and disposal of major artwork and interstate transportation of stolen property, the paper reported.

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

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

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

Rinker’s attorney: “My client is very sorry for his actions…but hey at least he wasn’t part of the actual thefts!”

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

SCRANTON, Pa. — In an unbelievable turn of events, three members of an elite burglary ring in northeastern Pennsylvania have pleaded guilty to stealing artwork worth millions of dollars over the span of two decades. Their impressive collection includes works by renowned artists Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, as well as antique weapons, sports memorabilia, and other valuable items stolen from museums and institutions.

According to The (Scranton) Times-Tribune, Ralph Parry, 45, and Francesco “Frank” Tassiello, 50, confessed their crimes on Friday. Their charges include conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property. Daryl Rinker, 50, also admitted his involvement in the ring’s activities by pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to the concealment and disposal of major artwork along with interstate transportation of stolen property.

Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania revealed that these nine Lackawanna County residents were responsible for a staggering total of 18 heists from art museums, historical sites,and sports institutions across six states between the years 1999 and 2019.

Among their impressive haul are pieces such as Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art creations and Jackson Pollock’s abstract masterpieces. However,the thieves didn’t stop at just stealing paintings; they also made off with antique firearms worth hundreds of thousands of dollars alongside gems,gold nuggets,and even valuable sports championship rings!

The Everhart Museum in Scranton suffered a great loss when several artworks by Warholand Pollock were snatched back in2005. Additionally,Ringwood Manorin New Jersey fell victim to the burglars, who made away with a Jasper Cropsey work and antique firearms worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. It seems that no institution was safe from their audacious heists.

To make matters worse, it has been revealed that Rinker purchased several stolen firearms, including a rare 1860 rifle valued at an astounding $250,000. Fortunately,the FBI managed to seize these weapons during their investigation and they are currently being held in custody as evidence.

During his plea hearing,Rinker’s attorney Chris Caputo expressed his client’s remorse for his actions. However,it should be noted that Rinker claims he was not directly involved in the actual thefts but rather served as one of the drivers for the operation. The attorneys representing Parry and Tassiello declined to comment on their clients’ guilty pleas.

As this shocking case unfolds,two other defendants are scheduled for plea hearings later this week while three others will face trial later this year. Unfortunately,one person connected to the burglary ring remains at large,making authorities determined to bring them to justice!