Indictment accuses CT man of using firearm during robbery at Westfarms mall
A man with a lengthy history of drug, robbery and other felony convictions has been indicted in connection with an armed robbery at Westfarms mall last July.
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on April 16 charging Willie White, 58, with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.
White, who has formerly resided in Bristol, New Britain and Hartford, could face between a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of a life sentence if he were convicted on the charges, federal officials said.
White appeared Wednesday in federal court where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to authorities, the indictment alleges that White robbed the Sunglass Hut at Westfarms mall in West Hartford on July 15, 2024. He allegedly showed a Glock pistol during the theft and stole multiple pairs of designer glasses, officials said.
White has been detained since the day of the robbery, according to federal officials. His previous criminal history includes more than 15 felony convictions on drug, robbery, burglary and other charges.
Federal officials noted that White was on state supervision, which included GPS monitoring, at the time of the robbery. Officials also said his felony convictions disqualify him from having a gun.
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