U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney
District of Connecticut
Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street
New Haven, Connecticut   06510 www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct

CONTACT:
Tom Carson
Public Information Office
(203) 821-3722
(203) 996-1393 (cell)

PRESS RELEASE

March 25, 2009

HAMDEN MAN ADMITS ARMED BANK ROBBERIES

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH PARSON, 30, of State Street, Hamden, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he committed two additional armed bank robberies.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on March 19, 2008, PARSON participated in an armed bank robbery of the TD Banknorth at 951 Stratford Avenue in Stratford.  On that date, PARSON entered the bank and, after a short period, pointed a firearm at a bank teller.  A second individual came into the bank, vaulted the teller counter, and took money from the tellers’ cash drawers.  PARSON and the second individual then left the bank with approximately $19,799.

On May 22, 2008, PARSON and another individual committed a robbery of the Wachovia Bank at 1409 Middletown Avenue in North Branford.  On that date, PARSON pointed a firearm at bank employees and customers and remained in the customer area while the other individual climbed over the teller counter and gathered money.  A total of $27,486 was taken.

On July 5, 2008, PARSON and another individual committed a robbery of the TD Banknorth at 620 West Main Street in Branford.  On that date, PARSON pointed a firearm at bank employees and customers and remained in the customer area while the other individual climbed over the teller counter and gathered money.  A total of $24,240 was taken.

Judge Bryant has scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2009, at which time PARSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

According to his plea agreement, PARSON also is expected to plead guilty in state court to charges related to his participation in the August 7, 2008, robbery of the Naugatuck Savings Bank in Prospect.

PARSON has been detained since his arrest by state and federal authorities on September 8, 2008, in New Haven.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Branford and North Branford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Huang.