Elderly Avon Man Released After Bank Robbery Charge

TORRINGTON/AVON, CT — An elderly Avon man accused of robbing a bank in Torrington was released from jail after his arraignment on June 24.

According to the Waterbury Republican-American, James Thompson, 84, was freed on a $50,000 bond from Torrington Superior Court after he is accused of robbing a Torrington bank.

The Rep-Am said that Thompson told bank employees that “This is due to the economy..." He was able to walk away with just under $3,200, the Rep-Am reported.

Torrington police said that detectives received a tip from an individual who saw the released pictures on social media, which led to the identification of Thompson, of New Road. Search and seizure warrants were applied for and granted for the home and a vehicle, police said.

Police said evidence was located, including the "handgun used in the robbery." Thompson is charged with first-degree robbery and third-degree larceny.

Police said a "risk warrant" was also applied for and granted, which allowed police to seize and hold all firearms and ammunition in Thompson’s possession.

"Information was gathered from Thompson that he had come upon difficult financial times and he was forced to commit this act because of the economy," police said on social media.

The Rep-Am reported that his family had lost significant money in a scam.

For the full story by the Waterbury Republican-American, click on this link.

>>>Read more details from the Torrington Police Department here.