Wanted By FBI: Man, 23, Charged In Alleged CT Robbery Spree

NEW HAVEN, CT — The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward that leads to the capture of Christian Velez, 23, after the unsealing of a federal criminal complaint charging him with federal robbery and firearm offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Velez is alleged to have committed a series of robberies throughout Connecticut beginning in September, federal prosecutors noted in a news release. In addition to the federal arrest warrant, there are multiple state arrest warrants issued.

The criminal complaint charges Velez with Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, the US Attorney said.

The Hobbs Act criminalizes both robbery and extortion.

The reward is for information leading to his arrest and conviction, the agency noted.

The FBI asks that anyone with information are "encouraged" to contact the FBI’s New Haven Field Office at (203) 503-5580, or by submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard Boyle "stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt." Charges are allegations, and a person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Connecticut State Police and several police departments, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.