Getaway Driver in Woodbridge Bank Robbery Sentenced to Four Years

Henry Crespo, 42, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in two bank robberies in 2009, said David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut

According to court documents and statements made in court, Crespo served as the getaway driver for two armed bank robberies committed by Francisco Deida and Domingo Gonzalez. On Jan. 28, 2009, after Deida and Crespo robbed the Webster Bank on Merwin Avenue in Milford of approximately $84,000, they fled from the bank in a car driven by Crespo.  On Apr. 6, 2009, after Deida and Gonzalez robbed the TD Banknorth on Amity Road in Woodbridge of approximately $23,000, they again fled in a car driven by Crespo.

During the course of the second robbery, a U.S. postal carrier delivering mail to the bank entered the bank and observed the robbery in progress. The postal carrier then left the bank and immediately called 911 from his postal vehicle. Chased by police, Crespo drove the getaway car from Woodbridge into the Rock Creek neighborhood of New Haven. There, he slowed the car down and Deida and Gonzalez jumped out and fled on foot. Crespo abandoned the car a few blocks later and was apprehended later that day in the neighborhood. Deida and Gonzalez were subsequently arrested.

On June 29, 2009, Crespo pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.

Gonzalez pleaded to two counts of bank robbery and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  On May 28, 2010, he was sentenced to 220 months of imprisonment.

On March 3, 2010, a federal jury found Deida guilty of two counts of bank robbery.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milford Police Department, the Woodbridge Police Department, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.