- Thomas 'Tommy' Dono, a Gambino crime family member, is accused of leading a $1.7 million burglary at Chanel's flagship store.
- The heist occurred on July 13, 2024, involving about 10 suspects disguised as construction workers.
- Dono was identified early in the investigation due to his distinct physical traits, including an amputated left arm.
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK — Weeks after a woman died after falling into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan, another unusual case tied to the area is drawing attention. This time, prosecutors say a Gambino crime family member helped lead a carefully planned $1.7 million burglary at Chanel’s flagship boutique in Manhattan.
Thomas “Tommy” Dono, 52, is accused of taking part in the July 2024 heist at the Chanel store on East 57th Street. Authorities say the burglary involved a crew of about 10 people and lasted around three hours.
Chanel Store Hit Overnight
According to court records cited in reports, the burglary began at around 10:14 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
Prosecutors say the crew targeted Chanel’s flagship Manhattan boutique, one of the company’s most important stores in the United States.
The group allegedly stole about 300 Chanel items worth around $1.7 million.
Authorities said the stolen merchandise has not been recovered.
Crew Allegedly Dressed as Construction Workers
Investigators said several members of the burglary crew were dressed as construction workers.
The suspects allegedly entered the Chanel store by breaking through a ceiling hatch in a stockroom.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators reportedly showed several crew members carrying large laundry and trash bags filled with stolen items down a rear fire escape and into an alley behind the store.
The bags were then moved through a nearby building on East 58th Street that was under construction before being loaded into a white Sprinter van, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors Say Dono Supervised From Van
Dono is accused of supervising the burglary from a white minivan parked near the store.
Authorities say he remained outside during the operation and later drove away around 1:25 a.m. on Sunday, July 14.
The white Sprinter van filled with the stolen Chanel items allegedly followed.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage showing the vehicles connected to the burglary.
Identified Early in Investigation
Court records said Dono was identified relatively early because of his distinct physical appearance.
Reports said his left arm had been amputated at the shoulder years earlier after a car accident.
Investigators also found surveillance footage of Dono and the two white vehicles outside a Brooklyn home on the same days they were allegedly used in the Chanel burglary.
Pleaded Not Guilty
Dono pleaded not guilty to grand larceny on May 19.
A judge released him on $300,000 bond, which was lower than the amount prosecutors had requested.
So far, Dono is the only person reported arrested in the Chanel case. Authorities said the investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected.
Prior Mob Case
Reports said Dono has a long criminal history and was previously connected to the 1998 killing of FBI informant Frank Hydell outside a Staten Island strip club.
He later resolved that case through a plea deal that included a 15-year prison sentence.
Sources cited in reports said Dono was released from prison in 2021 and was later inducted into the Gambino crime family.
The Chanel case remains active as investigators continue searching for other suspects and the missing merchandise.
To view more cases involving organized crime, luxury store thefts, and major burglary investigations, check out our video here:
