(New Haven, CT) – New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. announced today that a jury in New Haven Superior Court on October 19, 2026 found Jason Gardner, age 38, of East Haven, guilty of Larceny in the Second Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-123(a)(2) and Robbery in the Second Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-135(a)(2). The Honorable Ann F. Lawlor presided over the jury trial.
Trial evidence established that at approximately 10:40 am on October 15, 2021, the defendant entered the Branford Liberty Bank, formerly located at 445 East Main Street, and stole more than $10,000 in cash after presenting a handwritten note demanding money to two separate bank tellers, intimidating them and causing them to reasonably fear for their safety and the physical safety of others. Video surveillance evidence, photographs, license plate readers, historical cell cite analysis and the defendant’s actions following the robbery identified Gardner as the perpetrator.
The case was investigated by the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Jacqueline M. Fitzgerald and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Elisabeth Luczek, with assistance from Investigator Kerry Dalling and Inspector Lawrence Smith.
The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to extend their gratitude to the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police for their investigative efforts, as well as the Liberty Bank employees, Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, and Special Agent David Carney of the New Haven office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance throughout the investigation and prosecution.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2026 in New Haven Superior Court.