A federal grand jury in New Haven has indicted Willie White, 58, for charges related to an armed robbery at Westfarms Mall. The indictment, announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Marc H. Silverman and ATF Boston Field Division's James Ferguson, was returned on April 16, 2025.
According to the indictment, White committed the robbery at the Sunglass Hut in West Hartford on July 15, 2024, where he reportedly stole designer sunglasses and wielded a Glock pistol. White's criminal record includes over 15 felony convictions for drug-related charges, robbery, burglary, and other offenses. The indictment further states it is illegal for someone with a felony conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition that has crossed state or international borders. White was under state supervision with GPS tracking during the offense.
White faces several charges: interference with commerce by robbery, carrying a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years; brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, with a minimum sentence of seven years and potential life imprisonment; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, punishable by up to 15 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman emphasized, "An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the West Hartford and New Britain Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent criminals. It integrates resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.