Albert William Parsons, 47, of Rochester, NY, is headed to federal prison for 240 months after being convicted in the violent burglary that led to the death of 78-year-old Medina comic book collector Homer Marciniak. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, marks the latest fallout from a brutal home invasion orchestrated by a criminal crew tied to a larger organized theft ring.
Parsons, along with Donald Griffin, Juan Javier, and Arlene Combs, traveled from Rochester to Marciniak’s Medina home in the early hours of July 5, 2010, masked and armed with the intent to steal his prized comic book collection. The group had been hired by co-defendants Rico Vendetti and Combs, promising each $1,000 for the job. They cut Marciniak’s phone line the night before, then returned to force entry. Wearing ski masks and gloves, they stormed the home, only to be confronted by the ailing homeowner.
Griffin struck Marciniak in the face. Javier and Griffin bound his hands with bed linens while Javier brandished a BB gun and issued threats. Despite his condition, Marciniak managed to free himself after the intruders fled with the comic books and strong boxes filled with cash, coins, and valuables. He was taken to Medina Memorial Hospital for facial injuries, released, then suffered a fatal heart attack hours later.
Medical experts confirmed the physical assault and psychological trauma from the burglary directly contributed to Marciniak’s cardiac arrest and death. Once Rico Vendetti learned of the fatal outcome, he ordered the comic books destroyed. The crime, initially a theft, spiraled into a murder charge under federal racketeering statutes due to its connection to a broader criminal enterprise.
The burglary was just one act in a sprawling shoplifting ring that ripped off hundreds of thousands in goods from Walmart, Sears, Home Depot, JoAnn Fabrics, Tops, and Wegmans. Vendetti, once owner of Eastside Gold & Car Audio in Rochester, bought stolen merchandise for 25¢ on the dollar and flipped it on eBay, often shipping out of state. Dayon Shaver was also deep in the operation, convicted and sentenced to 46 months.
Final justice came in stages: Rico Vendetti and Arlene Combs each got 240 months for racketeering. Donald Griffin, who delivered the fatal blow, was convicted of murder in aid of racketeering and also sentenced to 240 months. Terry Stewart got 55 months. Brandon Meade was sentenced to time-served after nine months. Juan Javier, 17 at the time, was prosecuted as an adult in Orleans County and got seven years. The feds, Rochester PD, and FBI brought the ring down by October 2010.
Related Federal Cases
- Miami Thief Gets 41 Months for KY Cigarette Heist · Connecticut
- Rochester Drug Lords Wyatt, Cunningham Plead Guilty · New York
- Chilean Burglary Crew Busted in Multiple State Heist · Maryland
- Newton Gets 4 Years for $800K Jewelry Heist · Illinois
- Hells Angel Sentenced for Railcar Heist · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
