Five people, including probate judge, indicted in alleged theft of sports cards, firearms

Five people, including a Rhode Island Probate Judge, have been indicted concerning the theft from the estate of James Barbieri, who died in April without a will. The estate included a valuable sports card collection valued at over $1 million and firearms over $100,000.

In the final days of James Barbieri’s life, he was sedated and intubated. At this time, a friend began taking items from his home without any legal claim. The friend and others allegedly sought buyers and sold a portion of the collection. 

Probate Judge, Priscilla Facha DiMaio, filed with the Cranston Probate Court an application for approval of fiduciary and attorney’s fees for work performed for the estate. Investigators contend that these claims are false.

For more information see The Associated Press “Five People, including probate judge, indicted in alleged theft of sports cards, firearms” Virginia Lawyers Weekly August 2, 2023.

Special thanks to Deborah Matthews (Virginia Estate Planning Attorney) for bringing this article to my attention.