Suspect in Violent Theft Spree in Durham, Area, Enters Plea

DURHAM, CT — A suspect in a violent armed robbery spree that ran through several Connecticticut towns — including Durham — has enetered a plea, according to a leading prosecutor.

John H. Durham, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced Wednesday that 44-year-old Jeffrey Stokarski, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and entered a guilty plea to federal robbery and firearms charges related to a violent string of thefts in the state in late 2017 into the early part of this year.

The plea was entered the pevious day before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, here is the scenario:

• On Dec. 27, 2017, Stokarski entered the Henny Penny, located at 273 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, pushed the sales clerk into a counter and instructed her not to touch or say anything. Stokarski opened the cash register with a screwdriver and stole approximately $289 in cash.
• Also on Dec. 27, 2017, Stokarski approached a vehicle in the parking lot of the Country Cloverleaf Shell at 237 Route 81 in Killingworth, opened the driver’s door and punched the driver repeatedly in the face while demanding the driver’s wallet. During the robbery, Stokarski took from the driver an electronic cigarette worth approximately $110, a cell phone worth approximately $50, and the driver’s wallet containing approximately $90 in cash and gift cards.
• Also on Dec. 27, 2017, Stokarski entered the Krauszer’s Food Store, located at 459 Madison Road in Durham, placed the store clerk in a headlock, pulled out a knife and placed it on the clerk’s back. He then dragged the clerk over to the register and then stole approximately $3,264 in cash and store items.
• On Dec. 31, 2017, Stokarski again entered the Henny Penny located at 273 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, and demanded cash from the register. The clerk complied and gave Stokarski approximately $161 in cash from the register.
• On Jan. 1, 2018, Stokarski entered the Citgo Gas Station at 199 West Street in Litchfield, grabbed the clerk, pulled out a knife and placed the knife across the clerk’s neck area while demanding that the clerk give up all the money. The clerk complied and provided Stokarski with approximately $2,084 in cash. Stokarski also stole several store items worth approximately $49.
• Also on Jan. 1, 2018, Stokarski entered the Dunkin Donuts located at 220 Main Street in New Hartford, pulled out a knife, jumped over the counter and, while grabbing the clerk, yelled for the clerk to open the registers. The clerk complied and gave Stokarski all of the cash from within the registers.
• On Jan. 3, 2018, Stokarski entered the Rayon Market located at 214 Edgewood Avenue in New Haven, and stole $1,400 in cash and a handgun from the clerk at knifepoint.
• Later that day, Stokarski entered the Cumberland Farms gas station located at 69 Rubber Ave. in Naugatuck, walked behind the counter and demanded money. He then pulled the stolen handgun from his waist area to show the clerk that he had a gun. The clerk complied with Stokarski’s demand and opened the registers. Stokarski then stole approximately $132 in cash and approximately $536 worth of cigarettes and fled in a vehicle driven by Stacy Borowy.
• On Jan. 6, 2018, Stokarski entered the Food Land grocery store, located at 250 South Colon Road in Wallingford, pulled out a knife, dragged the clerk to the register and ultimately stole approximately $2,254 in cash, while injuring the clerk in the process.
• Also on Jan. 6, 2018, Stokarski and another man entered the Mobil gas station, located at 385 Watertown Ave. in Waterbury, and approached the register. Stokarski went behind the register, pulled out a knife and told the cashier to get back while Stokarski pried open the register, ultimately stealing approximately $727 in cash and several cartons of cigarettes.
• On Jan. 7, 2018, Stokarski entered the Valero Fas Mart gas station located at 384 Main Street in Durham, grabbed the clerk’s arm, and demanded that she open the register. He then pulled out a knife in an attempt to pry open the register himself. The clerk ultimately complied with Stokarski’s demand to open the register and Stokarski removed approximately $130 in cash.
• On Jan. 9, 2018, Stokarski entered Food Bag located at 960 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, approached the register, pulled out a knife and began to pry open the register. He then removed approximately $100 from the register and about $500 in cigarettes.

Stokarski has been detained since his arrest on Jan. 9, Durham said.

Stokarski pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of using or carrying a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of five years.

Judge Meyer scheduled Stkarsky's sentencing for Jan. 24, 2019.

Borowy pleaded guilty on Sept. 20, to aiding and abetting an armed robbery. She awaits sentencing.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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