New Haven Superior Court Jury Convicts East Haven Man of 2021 Branford Bank Robbery: State's Attorney

EAST HAVEN, CT — An East Haven man was convicted of larceny in connection to a 2021 Branford bank robbery, according to New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr.

Monday, a New Haven Superior Court jury found Jason Gardner, 38, guilty of second-degree larceny and second-degree robbery, Doyle said.

Trial evidence established that at around 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2021, Gardner walked into the Branford Liberty Bank, then located on 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," Doyle said.

As reported by Patch at the time, Gardner was wearing a fedora hat and sunglasses when, in October 2021, police said he robbed the Liberty Bank and made his getaway in a white Honda.

Video surveillance evidence, photographs, license plate readers, historical cell site analysis, and the defendant’s actions following the robbery identified Gardner as the perpetrator, the prosecutor said.

The case was investigated by the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 14.

In a news release it's noted that 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 release reads that Doyle'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."