4-year sentence handed down for ‘violent’ home burglary

Former South End bouncer’s family seeks leniency, but judge says prison deserved

STAMFORD — A former South End bouncer was sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a 2015 home burglary that left a Glenbrook man with two fractured eye sockets. Judge Gary White handed Joseph Donofrio, 36, a 10-year suspended sentence that will see him serving four years in prison, in addition to three years of probation following his release.

Donofrio was taken away from Stamford Superior Court in handcuffs as his mother, who was watching with other family members in the galley, burst into tears Tuesday afternoon.

The sentence came down moments after Donofrio’s father delivered an emotional plea asking that White take mercy on his son, who he says was battling drug addiction and mental health issues at the time of the crime.

Joseph Donofrio Sr. told White that his

“All the remorse in the world is not going to change the physical pain that the victim has gone through and the mental anguish he faces in the future.” Judge Gary White

son has come along a long way since 2015. He said his son kicked his addictions, rediscovered his faith and has worked tirelessly to improve his mental health.

“Our son is finally back home and the loving, caring and good-natured individual he once was,” he said as his voice cracked with emotion. “Now, his faith and his future are in your hands. Please look kindly on him.”

Donofrio and his former colleague Michael Polizzi were arrested Sept. 21, 2015 after the two Sign of the Whale bouncers contrived a plan to beat up a Glenbrook man because they heard he kept a lot of money in his home, police said at the time.

That night, police said the two arrived at the man’s home and gained entry under false pretenses before viciously beating the victim, who was eventually able to fend off his attackers with a hunting knife.

In 2017, Polizzi was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary.

Based on his own plea deal with the state, Donofrio faced between two to six years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree burglary.

While both Donofrio men and attorney Stephen DeLeo asked White to consider the minimum sentence in light of Donofrio’s personal growth since the incident, White said he couldn’t do that considering the “violent” nature of the case and the “terrible, life-altering and permanent injuries” suffered by the victim.

“All the remorse in the world is not going to change the physical pain that the victim has gone through and the mental anguish he faces in the future,” White said.

White said Donofrio had “already gotten a big dose of mercy” when the state decided not to pursue home invasion charges, which carry a minimum sentence of 10 years that cannot be shortened or suspended.

“I think he richly deserves to go to prison,” White said.

In addition to serving four years in prison, Donofrio will be required to undergo psychiatric and substance abuse treatment, as well as pay restitution for the victim’s medical costs.