Shelton Man Gets 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Two Bank Burglaries

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that David Mazerolle, 36, of Shelton, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in two bank burglaries in 2009.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on the late evening of Sept. 6, 2009, Mazerolle and two co-defendants, Marco Santiago and Roberto Santiago, cut the telephone lines to the located on Huntington Street in Shelton. About an hour later, Mazerolle and Roberto Santiago pried open the rear door of the bank and entered the bank wearing hats, masks, and gloves. Marco Santiago remained outside of the bank, looking out for police. Mazerolle and Roberto Santiago then ransacked the bank, taking approximately $1,632 in coins from the teller stations. The bank’s vault had pry marks on it, but the defendants were not able to gain access to it.

In the early morning hours of Sept. 14, 2009, Roberto Santiago, Felix Cruz and another individual broke into the TD Bank at 1254 West Main Street in Waterbury.  All three individuals wore face masks and gloves. The three ransacked the teller counter and then proceeded to attempt to break into the ATM room for about 20 minutes before departing the bank. About 25 minutes later, the three reentered the bank and continued their efforts to open the ATM. Mazerolle then arrived at the bank to assist the others. After successfully prying the ATM loose, the individuals loaded it onto a hand truck, placed it in a waiting van, and left the bank. The following day, the Connecticut State Police found the ATM, which had been forced open and its safe removed. The bank has reported that approximately $49,000 was stolen. Subsequent investigation revealed that the bank’s telephone lines also had been cut.

On Dec. 16, 2010, Mazerolle pleaded guilty to one count of bank theft. Marco Santiago, Roberto Santiago and Felix Cruz have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Sarah P. Karwan.