Florida Man Accused of Stratford Bank Heist

STRATFORD, CT – A 54-year-old Florida man is facing federal charges after allegedly robbing a Webster Bank branch at 450 Barnum Avenue Cutoff on February 17, 2017. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced today that ROBERT ABEL, of St. Augustine, Florida, was indicted by a grand jury in New Haven on April 19, 2017, with one count of bank robbery.

According to the indictment, ABEL allegedly used “force, violence and intimidation” to steal $1,517 from the Stratford bank. Details regarding the specific methods used during the robbery remain scarce, but investigators are building their case on witness statements and evidence collected at the scene. This wasn’t a smash-and-grab; it was a calculated act of intimidation, according to sources close to the investigation.

ABEL appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford yesterday and entered a plea of not guilty. He has been held in custody since his initial arrest on related state charges immediately following the February 17th incident. The swift arrest was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratford Police Department, and Milford Police Department.

If convicted, ABEL faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. The penalty reflects the seriousness of the crime and the potential danger posed to bank employees and customers. However, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly was quick to emphasize that an indictment is merely an accusation, and ABEL is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our financial institutions and the communities they serve,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly in a press release. “This indictment is a step towards holding those responsible for violent crimes accountable for their actions.” The investigation continues, with authorities exploring potential connections to other bank robberies in the region.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito is prosecuting the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. The courtroom showdown promises to be a tense one, with the fate of ROBERT ABEL hanging in the balance. Locals remain on edge, questioning how a suspect from Florida ended up targeting a quiet Connecticut bank.

RELATED: Crimo Boss Gets 5 Years for Gun Smuggling in Trinidad

RELATED: Uncle Accused of Brutal Murder of 3-Year-Old Nephew