Man accused in assault, robbery could be home for Christmas

STAMFORD — A 20year-old New Canaan man accused of a violent street robbery that left a 70-yearold hospital worker with a broken jaw and facial fractures could be released from custody before the holidays.

Arquis Campbell, 20, has been incarcerated at Manson Youth Institution since last December following his arrest on charges of firstdegree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny.

Campbell was one of four teens who allegedly beat and robbed a 70-year-old hospital worker as he walked to work on Nov. 6, 2020, according to Campbell’s arrest affidavit.

Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Cummings said during a disposition hearing Monday that while the allegations facing Campbell are serious, the state believes he is “not as culpable” as his co-defendant, 20year-old Bobby Brand, of Stamford.

Brand and Campbell were each charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, second-degree assault of a victim over 60 and illegal use of a credit card. Two juveniles also arrested in the case face first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny charges.

Cummings said the state would not object to a motion to reduce Campbell’s bond from $500,000, so as to allow him to be released from incarceration and give him a chance to prove he’s turned a corner.

Attorney Tamara DeBerry, who represents Campbell, asked the court to release her client on a promise to appear, but Judge John Blawie ultimately set the bond at $20,000.

Conditions for Campbell’s release will also include intensive probation supervision, GPS monitoring and a requirement that Campbell stay away from his co-defendants.

“We’ve got to see Arquis 2.0,” Blawie said. “If what the state’s allegations say are true, Bobby (Brand) is the one who put you in the soup. You don’t need Bobby in your life anymore. If this is how he rolls, then you need to find a better set of friends.”

Campbell’s next court hearing is Wednesday.

Cummings recently made Brand an offer to plead guilty to certain charges. Though the state hasn’t revealed the exact terms of the offer, Cummings said on Monday that the deal would see Brand serve somewhere between 18 months and four years in prison.

Brand has until his next court date on Jan. 12 to make a decision on the offer.

Cummings said the state is waiting until Brand decides on the deal before they can extend a deal to Campbell, which will likely include him pleading guilty to reduced charges.