KELIJAH RICHARDSON and ANIBAL RIVERA, both of Bridgeport, have been charged by indictment with robbing a jewelry store in Clinton earlier this year, according to an announcement on April 16 by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about organized theft targeting jewelry stores across multiple states. Authorities say at least 20 robberies or attempted robberies occurred between September 2025 and February 2026 in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. In these incidents, suspects wore dark clothing and masks while using tools to break display cases before fleeing in vehicles with concealed license plates.
According to court documents, Richardson and Rivera allegedly robbed the KAY Outlet in Clinton on February 3, stealing approximately $184,000 worth of items. The indictment charges them with interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act—a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment.
Richardson was arrested on March 9 following a federal criminal complaint and pleaded not guilty during his appearance at Bridgeport federal court. He has been released on a $250,000 bond. Rivera has remained detained since his arrest on February 3 related to another alleged robbery involving about $259,000 from Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester last September.
U.S. Attorney 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 investigation continues under the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from state and local law enforcement agencies; Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration as well as transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) involved in violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes and manages civil cases for the United States within Connecticut; it operates offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport while employing about 68 assistant attorneys alongside roughly 57 support staff members according to its official website. The office advances justice initiatives that aim to improve quality of life for residents statewide according to its official website.
