Man Admits Robbing Berlin Bank

A 31-year-old Connecticut man has pleaded guilty to a federal bank robbery charge, admitting that he robbed or attempted to rob seven banks last summer including one in Berlin.

Connecticut U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced Tuesday that Matthew Dragone, of Middletown, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to one count of bank robbery and admitted that he robbed or attempted to rob a total of seven Connecticut banks.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Dragone robbed the Webster Bank at 145 Highland Ave. in Cheshire on Aug. 12; the TD Bank at 1127 Farmington Ave. in Berlin on Aug. 13; the Liberty Bank at 151 Main St. in Deep River on Aug. 17, the TD Bank at 25 Wells Rd. in Wethersfield on Aug. 31; the Liberty Bank at 357 Main St. in Durham on Sept. 3, and the TD Bank at 184 Clinton Rd. in Killingworth on Sept. 11; and the attempted robbery of the Webster Bank at 377 Cromwell Ave. in Rocky Hill on Sept. 9.

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During each incident, Dragone, who was wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses and holding a cellphone to his ear, presented a teller with a bank-style bag affixed with a note that demanded money.

A Sept. 16 search of Dragone’s home revealed clothing and sunglasses consistent with those worn during the Durham robbery on Sept. 3, as well as a bank-style bag consistent with the one used during several of the bank robberies.

Dragone was arrested on Sept. 18, and is released on a $50,000 bond. His sentencing by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton is scheduled for May 13. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown, Cheshire, Berlin, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill Police Departments, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services is assisting the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Contributed photo.