(New Britain, CT) - Christian M. Watson, New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that Addison Clegg, age 24, of Meriden, was convicted following a jury trial of Kidnapping in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-92(a)(2)(B), Robbery in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-134(a)(1), Strangulation in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-64aa(a)(1)(B), Stealing a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-212(a), and Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-217(a)(1)(A).
The verdicts were returned by a jury on January 12, 2026. At trial it was proven that during a Facebook Marketplace transaction for sneakers, the defendant strangled the victim to the point of unconsciousness, allowing another individual to take the victim’s legally registered 9mm firearm and the victim’s vehicle, and drive the unconscious victim from the scene. When the victim regained consciousness, he escaped from the moving vehicle on Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill, which resulted in serious injuries, including a broken foot. The trial, in the Superior Court of New Britain, was presided over by the Honorable Chris Pelosi. Sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2026.
“The victim’s courage cannot be understated. But for his quick thinking under terrifying conditions, allowing him to escape from his abductors, who knows how this violent encounter would have ended?” said Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David Clifton and Inspector Edward Apicella, who prosecuted the case.
State’s Attorney Watson wishes to extend his gratitude to the Rocky Hill and Middletown Police Departments, specifically Detectives Patrick Lehane, Thomas Ganley and Officer Brandon Caires, for their investigative efforts. He also wishes to thank the members of Hartford Hospital for their talented medical intervention, and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection-Division of Scientific Services for their professional analysis.