United States of America v. Francesco Pensiero a/k/a Frank Pensiero

New Haven, Connecticut criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Robbing 3 Banks

Stamford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 Banks in 2020

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 today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing three Connecticut banks in 2020.



According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed the Chase Bank located at 2855 Main Street in Stratford. During the robbery, Pensiero's associate displayed a handgun on the teller counter and presented the teller with a note that read "this is a robbery give me all your money.” The teller provided Pensiero's associate with approximately $1,000 and Pensiero and his associate exited the bank.



Later on October 13, 2020, Pensiero robbed the People's United Bank located at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield. During the robbery, he pulled out a handgun and presented the teller a note that stated "This is a robbery.” The teller provided Pensiero with $5,458 and Pensiero exited the bank.



On October 28, 2020, Pensiero and his associate robbed the People's United Bank located at 95 Main Street in New Canaan. Pensiero displayed a handgun, provided the teller with a note demanding money, verbally threatened to kill the teller and other employees, and ordered the bank employees to lie on the floor. Pensiero and his associate stole $9,130 during the robbery, and fled from the bank in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The following day, the car was set on fire on Green Avenue in New Canaan.



Pensiero was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 27, 2023. On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to bank robbery.



Pensiero's criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery and other offenses.



Pensiero's associate was convicted of related state offenses stemming from these robberies.



This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stratford, Fairfield, and New Canaan Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon.