A federal grand jury indicted Todd Bussino, age 42, of Rutland, Vermont, on June 25 for interfering with commerce by attempted robbery, according to a July 21 announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Bussino pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. He also appeared on allegations that he violated his federal supervised release. Judge Doyle ordered Bussino detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
Court records state that on June 14, Bussino entered a Rutland convenience store wearing a hat and mask, displayed a box cutter, and demanded money from the cash register. The cashier refused and retreated to the office. Bussino then tried unsuccessfully to open the register himself before leaving after stealing a beverage.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that “an indictment contains allegations only and that Bussino is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.” If convicted, Bussino faces up to 20 years in prison; however, sentencing would be determined by the District Court using advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended both the Rutland City Police Department and the FBI for their investigative efforts. The prosecution is led by Ophardt, while Bussino is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont serves Vermont by enforcing federal criminal laws and handling civil litigation on behalf of the United States; it supports community safety through crime reduction efforts and fosters partnerships with law enforcement agencies as well as community partners across its Burlington and Rutland offices within federal law enforcement administration, according to its official website.