BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — On Tuesday in Bridgeport, a Bristol man pleaded guilty to committing a violent robbery spree throughout Connecticut in 2022, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Prosecutors said that between Sept. 5, 2022 and Oct. 13, 2022, Lonny Cross, 45, committed 37 robberies and attempted robberies of gas station convenience stores, mini-markets, and liquor stores.
The crimes occurred in North Branford, Waterbury, Wolcott, Plymouth, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, Wethersfield, Bristol, Southington, Naugatuck, Watertown, Franklin, Norwich, Waterford, Groton City, Stonington, Ledyard, Darien, Stratford, and Seymour, while also occurring in Port Chester, N.Y., according to prosecutors.
Several of the robberies occurred within minutes of each other on the same day, prosecutors said, noting that Cross typically used an accomplice to scout out the victim-store and determine the number of employees and customers in the stores. Once he received the information, Cross would then enter the store, threaten the employees with a knife or object resembling a gun, and proceed to steal cash and other items, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said that on Oct. 14, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Cross’ residence and the black 2014 Chevy Impala he was known to drive; the search revealed clothing consistent to that worn by Cross during several of the robberies as well as quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, and narcotics paraphernalia.
While searching the Chevy, investigators discovered 120 bags of heroin, about 14 grams of crack and a knit hat matching the description of one worn by Cross during a robbery the day before, prosecutors said.
Cross was on state parole and was arrested on state charges on Oct. 14, 2022, and he has been detained since his arrest.
Prosecutors said Cross pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of Hobbs Act Robbery; he faces a maximum prison term of 40 years when he is sentenced on Aug. 21.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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