The request was made following the federal indictment and arrest of two men alleged to be leaders of an organized burglary ring that has been hitting prominent coin and stamp collectors for almost 25 years. John Michael Kennedy, and his brother, James, along with two other individuals, are suspected of burglarizing homes in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and other states in the Midwest. Most of the victims were members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the American Philatelic Society (APS).

FBI Agent John E. Shea says the Kennedy brothers, reportedly working from old membership lists, obtained home telephone numbers, then placed dozens of calls to selected collectors during holiday weekends. If they determined no one was home they targeted the residence. 

ANA members who have been the victim of a substantial coin burglary within the past three years (especially following a series of telephone “hang ups” should contact Pittsburgh FBI Agent Casimer J. Solana at 412/456-9389.

Originally Release Date: Dec. 18, 1999

ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872

                            Email: pr@money.org