Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Francesco Pensiero, also known as Frank Pensiero, 52, of Stamford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for robbing three banks in Connecticut in 2020.
Court documents and statements revealed that on October 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed the Chase Bank at 2855 Main Street in Stratford. During this robbery, a handgun was displayed on the teller counter with a note demanding money. Approximately $1,000 was taken before they exited the bank.
Later that day, Pensiero robbed People's United Bank at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield using a similar method involving a handgun and a note stating "This is a robbery." He left with $5,458.
On October 28, 2020, another robbery occurred at People's United Bank located at 95 Main Street in New Canaan. Pensiero used a handgun again and threatened employees while demanding money. He and his associate took $9,130 before fleeing in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS which was later set on fire.
Pensiero was arrested on January 27, 2023. He pleaded guilty to bank robbery on June 3, 2024.
His criminal history includes previous convictions for bank robbery among other offenses. His associate faced related state charges from these incidents.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with police departments from Stratford, Fairfield, and New Canaan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon prosecuted the case.