Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found GEOFFREY SHAPIRO, 44, of Windsor Locks, guilty of committing two robberies in February 2020. The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on January 8 and the jury returned its verdicts this morning.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, on February 9, 2020, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Shapiro entered the Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 142 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, placed an order, and then displayed a small handgun and pointed it at the employee at the register. Shapiro stated “Give me the money” two times. The employee gave Shapiro approximately $390. Shapiro said “thank you” and exited the store.
On February 21, 2020, Shapiro entered the Webster Bank located at 141 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury. When he reached the teller counter, Shapiro handed the teller a note that stated in part “Stay calm” and “I have a gun.” The teller then gave Shapiro $1,837 from her drawer. Shapiro took back the note and exited the bank. Glastonbury Police arrested Shapiro later that day at his residence.
On February 22, 2020, a court-authorized search of Shapiro’s vehicle revealed a handgun, the demand note Shapiro used during the bank robbery, clothes worn by Shapiro during the robberies, and other evidence.
Shapiro was found guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of armed bank robbery. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Shapiro is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Glastonbury, Simsbury, and Westfield (Mass.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Natasha M. Freismuth.