FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Middletown, CT) – Middlesex State’s Attorney Michael A. Gailor announced that a jury in Middletown Superior Court today found Orlando Ferreira, age 31, of Cromwell, guilty of the crimes of Robbery in the First Degree, in violation of General Statutes 53a-134, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, in violation of General Statutes 53a-49 and 53a-134, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, in violation of General Statutes Section 53a-63. The Honorable Vernon D. Oliver presided over the jury trial.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Ferreira used a dating app to arrange a meeting with the victim on July 26, 2020. After the victim picked him up, Ferreira displayed a knife and demanded the victim drive him to the bank. In an attempt to defend himself, the victim grabbed the knife and sustained cuts on his hand. The victim then stopped the car and exited the vehicle. When he did so, Ferreira attempted to drive away with the car. The victim unsuccessfully attempted to pull Ferreira from the car but was thrown to the ground as the car sped away. The victim suffered significant road burns as a result of the encounter.
The case was investigated by the Cromwell Police Department and was prosecuted by Middlesex Assistant State’s Attorney Steven Lesko, who was assisted by Inspectors Joseph Flynn and Mark Miele.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2023 in Middletown Superior Court.