Thomas "Tommy" Dono, a one-armed soldier in the Gambino crime family, has been accused by Manhattan prosecutors of orchestrating a stunning $1.7 million heist at the Chanel flagship boutique on East 57th Street — the luxury company's largest and most significant burglary in the country.
Background
The blockbuster robbery took place nearly two years ago on the weekend of July 13-14, 2024. According to court records, Dono and a crew of ten burglars executed a carefully planned three-hour caper that began at 10:14 p.m. Saturday and ended with their escape around 1:25 a.m. Sunday morning.
Investigators say Dono, 52, supervised the operation from a white minivan parked near the Chanel store at 15 East 57th Street while his crew members broke through a stockroom ceiling hatch to gain entry. Several of the burglars wore clothing disguised as construction workers, records state. They stole approximately 300 Chanel items worth $1,776,700 — none of which has been recovered.
Surveillance video obtained by NYPD detectives showed crew members carrying large laundry and trash bags loaded with stolen merchandise down a rear fire escape into an alleyway behind the store. The loot was then transported to an East 58th Street building under construction before being loaded into a white Sprinter van, authorities said.
Dono's identity as a key player in the burglary came quickly — his left arm had been amputated at the shoulder several years ago following a car accident injury, making him distinctive in surveillance footage. "Given his unique physical characteristics," prosecutors noted in court records, "he was identified relatively early."
The Investigation
Dono is the only person arrested so far in connection with the Chanel heist. He pleaded not guilty to grand larceny charges on May 19 and was released on $300,000 bond by Judge Felicia Mennin — half of what the Manhattan District Attorney's office had sought.
Investigators also linked Dono to the crime through surveillance footage showing him and two white vehicles connected to the burglary parked outside a three-family home on Bay 10th Street in Brooklyn's Bath Beach section during the same timeframe. The investigation remains active, and authorities expect additional arrests.
Dono's criminal history runs deep within the Gambino organization. He is the nephew of Thomas "Huck" Carbonaro, a late Gambino soldier convicted of racketeering and the attempted murder of turncoat underboss Salvatore "Sammy Bull" Gravano. According to sources, Dono was inducted into the crime family five years ago following his release from prison after serving time for the 1998 murder of FBI informant Frank Hydell, who was shot outside a Staten Island strip club.
Dono resolved that homicide case through a plea deal calling for a 15 years in prison. He was released in 2021 and had avoided further legal trouble until last month, sources say. He currently remains in good standing as a mobster under octogenarian capo Louis "Big Lou" Vallario, who took over Gravano's Brooklyn crew after Gravano turned government witness.
Key Takeaways
- Dono allegedly supervised the July 2024 Chanel heist from a parked minivan while ten crew members carried out the three-hour burglary
- The stolen merchandise — approximately 300 Chanel items valued at $1.7 million — has never been recovered
- His distinctive physical characteristic — an amputated left arm — helped investigators identify him through surveillance footage
- Dono previously served prison time for his role in the 1998 murder of FBI informant Frank Hydell and was released in 2021
- Only Dono has been arrested so far; authorities say more arrests are expected as the investigation continues
What's Next
Dono is awaiting further court proceedings on the grand larceny charge. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek additional charges related to organized crime or conspiracy. The Manhattan District Attorney's office continues its investigation, with law enforcement sources indicating that identifying and arresting remaining members of Dono's crew remains a priority.