Robbery suspect pleads not guilty

A 34-year-old man accused of robbing a Thomaston Dunkin’ Donuts in August pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Superior Court in Torrington.

Ernest J. Blais, of 49 Cypress Road, Windsor Locks, is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree threatening, second-degree larceny, second-degree reckless endangerment, and seconddegree breach of peace in connection with the case.

According to an affidavit seeking a warrant for his arrest, Blais entered the Dunkin’ Donuts at 495 S. Main St. Aug. 20 and handed an employee a note, indicating he had a weapon and demanding the money in the cash register.

When asked, he declined to show the employee the purported weapon and became agitated. He came around the counter and took the cash drawer, then left the store, according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, police from Thomaston and other municipalities conducted an investigation and identified Blais as a suspect in the case, as well as in multiple area robberies.

He was arrested and arraigned in Superior Court in Torrington Nov. 27, at which time the case was transferred to Part A proceedings. His bond was maintained at $250,000 at that time.

Blais pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Attorney James McCarthy filed a motion to have his bond in the case reduced to $75,000

State Attorney David Shannon requested that his bond be maintained at $250,000 in the case.

Blais is being held in lieu of $362,500 combined bond from a series of cases, including in Waterbury and Enfield, according to Bail Commissioner Sira Vogini.

Judge John A. Danaher III took a middle ground between the two requests in his ruling and reduced Blais’ bond to $150,000 cash or surety.

Shannon said Blais faces a maximum of 25 years in the case considered Tuesday.