Greenwich police detective honored for work on jewelry store robbery
GREENWICH — Detective Carlos Franco was cited as the Greenwich Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” in May for his part in apprehending a suspect in a jewelry store robbery.
Officers were called to a jewelry store the in the Byram section of town on March 18, where a masked gunman had smashed open a case of merchandise and made off with valuables, police said. Franco was credited with gaining information on the getaway car, which led to a suspect in the case, according to police.
Thomas Liberatore, 62, a career criminal with a lengthy arrest record who had ties to Stamford and Yonkers, N.Y., was eventually arrested by federal agents, with Greenwich police officers taking part, on March 30.
“This arrest and excellent investigative effort clearly demonstrated Detective Franco's dedication to duty and superior job knowledge,” Police Chief James Heavey said.
Law enforcement officials said Liberatore also took part in a robberyhomicide in Stamford, with Robert Rallo, 56, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano, 59, also of Brooklyn. Police said he was part of a team of three gunmen who committed a robbery in Stamford on March 28 during which store owner Mark Vuono was killed.
Each defendant has an extensive criminal history and the three men met while serving sentences within the New York State Department of Correction, authorities have said.
Franco served previously as a school resource officer in the Greenwich Public Schools.