Clinton Man Sentenced to 71 Months for Rite Aid Robbery

CLINTON, MAINE – United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that James J. Senior, 40, of Clinton, Maine, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a brutal pharmacy robbery. Senior pleaded guilty on June 11, 2015.

On March 31, 2015, the pharmacy counter at the Rite Aid in Newport, Maine, became the scene of a terrifying crime as Senior entered with a demand note and threatened harm to employees if they did not comply with his demands for oxycodone. The threat of violence was clear as he demanded the pills, calling out to employees, “hurry up” and “get moving.” With three bottles of oxycodone and hydrocodone-ibuprofen pills in hand, Senior fled the scene.

Law enforcement acted quickly. A video released by authorities led to a crucial tip that pinpointed Senior as the culprit. The Newport Police Department, Maine State Police, Waterville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked tirelessly. They recovered the discarded pill bottles and confirmed Senior’s identity through a comparison of the video footage with known photographs.

Senior surrendered to police the following day, admitting his role in the crime. The court heard Judge John A. Woodcock Jr.’s stern pronouncement on Senior’s “horrendous” criminal history, which includes 17 convictions, among them felony drug trafficking and assault and battery.

Senior was ordered to pay restitution for the loss sustained by the pharmacy. His conviction and sentence send a clear message about the severity of pharmacy robberies and the justice system’s commitment to holding criminals accountable.

The investigation into this heist was a collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies, showcasing their dedication to public safety and justice.

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