Sentence Handed Down To Accused Fairfield Bank Robber: U.S. Attorney

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Stamford man was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday for his role in the robberies of three CT banks in 2020, according to prosecutors.

Francesco "Frank" Pensiero, 52, will serve 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, according to Marc H. Silverman, the acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on Oct. 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed a Chase Bank in Stratford, Silverman said in a news release.

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,' Silverman said, noting the teller provided Pensiero’s associate with approximately $1,000 before the robbers left.

Later that day, according to Silverman, Pensiero robbed a People’s United Bank in Fairfield.

During this incident, Pensiero pulled out a handgun and gave a similar note to the teller that stated, "This is a robbery," Silverman said. The teller provided Pensiero with $5,458 and Pensiero exited the bank.

On Oct. 28, 2020, Pensiero and his associate robbed another People’s United Bank in New Canaan in a similar fashion Silverman said, adding that Pensiero verbally threatened to kill the teller and other employees, and ordered the bank employees to lie on the floor.

Pensiero and his associate made off with $9,130 during the robbery, and they fled from the bank in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, Silverman said. The following day, the car was set on fire on Green Avenue in New Canaan.

Pensiero was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on Jan. 27, 2023. In June of 2024, he pleaded guilty to bank robbery.

In a news release, Silverman noted that Pensiero's criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery and other offenses. His associate was convicted of related state offenses stemming from the three robberies.

For the full announcement, click here.

— Written by Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff