KELIJAH RICHARDSON and ANIBAL RIVERA, both of Bridgeport, were charged by indictment with robbing a jewelry store in Clinton earlier this year, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan on Apr. 16.
The charges are part of a broader investigation into at least 20 robberies and burglaries of jewelry stores and kiosks across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts between September 2025 and February 2026. Authorities say the suspects wore dark clothing, masks, and gloves while using tools to break showcases before fleeing in vehicles with obscured or stolen license plates.
According to court documents, Richardson and Rivera allegedly robbed the KAY Outlet in Clinton on Feb. 3, stealing approximately $184,000 worth of items. The indictment charges them with interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Richardson was arrested on Mar. 9 based on a federal criminal complaint and pleaded not guilty during his appearance in Bridgeport federal court; he is currently released on a $250,000 bond. Rivera has been detained since his arrest on Feb. 3 related to another alleged robbery involving about $259,000 from Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester last September.
Sullivan said: “An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The ongoing investigation involves the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force along with state and local agencies; Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut serves the entire state according to its official website. The office prosecutes federal crimes and handles civil cases for the government within Connecticut according to its official website, operating out of New Haven, Hartford, and Bridgeport locations while employing about 68 assistant attorneys alongside support staff according to its official website. Established in 1789 as one of the oldest prosecutorial offices according to its official website, it advances justice initiatives that aim to enhance quality of life for residents according to its official website.
