Matthew Dragone, Bank Robbery, Connecticut 2015

Matthew Dragone, a 32-year-old Middletown man, has been sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for a brazen bank robbery spree that left a trail of fear in its wake. Dragone, whose crimes date back to 2015, was found guilty of robbing six banks and attempting to rob a seventh.

The robberies took place in various towns across Connecticut, including Cheshire, Berlin, Deep River, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Durham, and Killingworth. In each incident, Dragone wore a baseball cap and dark sunglasses, and held a cellphone to his ear as he presented a teller with a bank-style bag and a note demanding money.

The investigation into Dragone’s crimes was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and local police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

On September 16, 2015, a search of Dragone’s residence revealed clothing and sunglasses consistent with those worn during the Durham robbery, as well as a bank-style bag similar to the one used in several of the robberies.

Dragone was arrested on September 18, 2015, and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery on February 16, 2016. He was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

Dragone’s crimes have sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to wonder what drove him to such reckless behavior. As he begins his sentence, the people of Connecticut can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served.

The sentencing of Matthew Dragone serves as a reminder that crime will not be tolerated in our communities. We must continue to work together to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place.

Related Federal Cases