Former FSU Security Guard Sentenced for Stealing Rare Comic Books

Todd Peak will serve 1.5 years in prison and 10 years probation for stealing over 5,000 comics from the university's collection.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A former security guard at Florida State University's library, Todd Peak, has been sentenced to 1.5 years in prison and 10 years of probation for stealing over 5,000 rare comic books from the university's Special Collections & Archives. Peak trafficked the stolen comics, predominantly from the 1950s-1970s, through online forums and a local comics shop. He was one of only four people with a key to the library's secure storage area where the collection was kept.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of rare book and comic book collections, even when housed in university libraries with security measures in place. It raises questions about the best ways to protect and preserve such valuable cultural artifacts from theft by insiders who abuse their access privileges.

The details

In 2020, Todd Peak, a 43-year-old former security guard at FSU's Strozier Library, was arrested on grand theft and related charges after more than 5,000 comics disappeared from the university's Special Collections & Archives. Peak had access to the library's secure storage area and trafficked the stolen comics, which included titles from Marvel, DC, underground publishers, and more, through online forums and a local comics shop. While a small sample of 38 comics were recovered, thousands remain missing. Peak took a plea deal that reduced his potential 30-year sentence to 1.5 years in prison and 10 years of probation, along with $70,000 in restitution to the university.

  • In February 2021, library staff first discovered the theft of the comics.
  • In September 2021, FSU notified the public about the theft after a comics dealer raised suspicions about Peak.
  • On February 26, 2026, Peak was declared guilty by a judge and sentenced for his crimes.

The players

Todd Peak

A 43-year-old former security guard at Florida State University's Strozier Library who was convicted of stealing over 5,000 rare comic books from the university's Special Collections & Archives.

Florida State University

The university where the rare comic book collection was housed in the Special Collections & Archives of the Strozier Library.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Todd Peak to be released on bail while he serves his sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for robust security measures and oversight to protect rare and valuable cultural collections, even in university settings. It also underscores the ongoing challenge of preventing theft of such items by those with insider access and knowledge of their worth on the black market.