Man faces prison in robbery spree

Waterbury man pleads guilty, could get 25 years

A Waterbury man faces up to 25 years in jail after pleading guilty to an armed robbery spree across western Connecticut.

Jeffrey Stokarski, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to federal robbery and firearm charges stemming from a violent armed robbery spree in late 2017 and early 2018, according to a release from the office of John H. Durham, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.

Stokarski pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and one count of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of five years in prison, the release said.

If he were to serve the full term, Stokarski would be 69 when he is released.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stokarski was linked to a dozen robberies, sometimes committing as many as three in a single day, the release said.

The robberies, according to authorities:

Dec. 27, 2017

Stokarski entered the Henny Penny on Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, pushed the sales clerk into the counter and verbally instructed her not to touch or say anything. Stokarski opened the cash register with a screwdriver and stole approximately $289 in cash.

Stokarski approached a vehicle in the parking lot of the Country Cloverleaf Shell on Route 81, Killingworth, opened the driver’s door and punched the driver repeatedly in the face while demanding the driver’s wallet. During the robbery, Stokarski took from the driver an electronic cigarette worth approximately $110, a cellphone worth about $50 and the driver’s wallet containing about $90 in cash and gift cards.

Stokarski entered the Krauszer’s Food Store on Madison Road, Durham, placed the store clerk in a headlock, pulled out a knife and placed it on the clerk’s back, dragged the clerk over to the register and then stole about $3,264 in cash and store items.

Dec. 31, 2017

Stokarski again entered the Henny Penny in Southington and demanded cash from the register. The clerk complied and gave Stokarski approximately $161 in cash from the register.

Jan. 1, 2018

Stokarski entered the Citgo Gas Station on West Street, Litchfield, grabbed the clerk, pulled out a knife and placed the knife across the clerk’s neck area while demanding the clerk give up all the money. The clerk

complied and provided Stokarski with about $2,084 in cash. Stokarski also stole several store items worth approximately $49.

Stokarski entered the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street in New Hartford, pulled out a knife, jumped over the counter and while grabbing the clerk, yelled for the clerk to open the registers. The clerk complied and gave Stokarski all of the cash from within the registers.

Jan. 3, 2018

Stokarski entered the Rayon Market on Edgewood Avenue in New Haven and stole $1,400 in cash and a handgun from the clerk at knifepoint.

Stokarski entered the Cumberland Farms gas station on Rubber Avenue in Naugatuck, walked behind the counter and demanded money. He then pulled the stolen handgun from his waist area to show the clerk that he had a gun. The clerk complied with Stokarski’s demand and opened the registers. Stokarski then stole approximately $132 in cash and about $536 worth of cigarettes and fled in a vehicle driven by Stacy Borowy.

Jan. 6, 2018

Stokarski entered the Food Land grocery store on South Colony Road, Wallingford, pulled out a knife, dragged the clerk to the register and stole about $2,254 in cash, injuring the

clerk in the process.

Stokarski and another man entered the Mobil gas station on Watertown Avenue in Waterbury and approached the register. Stokarski went behind the register, pulled a knife and told the cashier to get back while Stokarski pried open the register, ultimately stealing approximately $727 in cash and several cartons of cigarettes.

Jan. 7, 2018

Stokarski entered the Valero Fas Mart gas station on Main Street in Durham, grabbed the clerk’s arm and demanded that she open the register. He then pulled out a knife in an attempt to pry open the register himself. The clerk ultimately complied with Stokarski’s demand to open the register and Stokarski removed about $130 in cash.

Jan. 9, 2018

Stokarski entered Food Bag on Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, approached the register, pulled out a knife and began to pry open the register. He then removed about $100 from the register and about $500 in cigarettes.

He had been detained since his arrest on Jan. 9. Meyer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 24.

Borowy pleaded guilty on Sept. 20 to aiding and abetting an armed robbery. She awaits sentencing.