A New Hampshire man has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for crimes in conjunction with five robberies.
Jonathan McKnight, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced to five years and eight months for interference with commerce by threats and violence in five robberies spanning the Manchester and Goffstown areas, according to a May 18 Department of Justice news release.
"Robberies and other violent crimes not only endanger lives but also spread fear throughout the community," U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said in the release. "Thanks to excellent police work in this case, Mr. McKnight has been held responsible for his criminal conduct. This successful prosecution is an example of how local and federal law enforcement partners work collaboratively and diligently to protect public safety and keep our citizens safe from violent crime."
According to the release, McKnight used the same ruse for most of the robberies. He would pass a note to the clerk working at the cash register indicating he had a gun and demanding money. He would sometimes use gestures to dicate he was armed as well, according to the release. However, McKnight said he did not actually have a gun. The robberies occurred between March 25, 2020, and March 10, 2021.
"Jonathan McKnight has repeatedly demonstrated why he is a serious threat to the community, confessing to a string of robberies during which he threatened to use a firearm," Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston division, said in the news release.
Bonavolonta added that McKnight's sentence "should be a reminder to everyone of the serious consequences that come with putting people in danger. New Hampshire is much safer with him behind bars," according to the release.
