(New Britain, CT) — Brian W. Preleski, State’s Attorney of the Judicial District of New Britain, announced today that Irving Carlos Matias, age 21, of Springfield, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to a total effective sentence of 15 years in prison, the execution of which will be suspended after 7 years served, followed by 5 years of probation. Matias was sentenced on September 30, 2021, by the Honorable Maureen M. Keegan in New Britain Superior Court.

 

Matias pleaded guilty to Assault in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree in connection with the assault and robbery of a food delivery driver in New Britain in 2018.

 

According to court records, Matias and three other individuals called in a pizza order on New Year’s Eve 2018. When the delivery arrived, the driver was repeatedly punched and kicked and was robbed of his cell phone, cash, and the food he was delivering. The victim reported to police that he “felt he was fighting for his life that night.” His injuries included a fractured orbital socket and permanent vision impairment.

 

The case was investigated by the New Britain Police Department and prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David Clifton.

 

“I am thankful we were able to provide a measure of justice to the victim in this case," Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Clifton said. "The New Britain Police Department conducted a thorough and professional investigation. In an economy that increasingly relies on delivery drivers for daily necessities, it is important that we bring every resource to bear on those who would prey on them.”