Press Release

For release: Immediate

For more information contact: James Reams: 642-4249 November 9, 2007

Tuxedo Bandit Sentenced

Brentwood -  County Attorney Jim Reams announced today that Eugene Fitzgerald of 31 Harriman Hill Road, Raymond (DOB 3/9/70), the so-called "tuxedo bandit" was sentenced to a total of 10 to 22 years at the NH State Prison for the Armed Robbery of Lindy's Store in Brentwood, while dressed in a tuxedo, and the resulting chase of the Defendant that occurred on September 18, 2006.

Within minutes of the report of the Robbery, Fitzgerald was quickly spotted making his getaway by Kingston Police Officer James Champion and Kingston Chief Donald Briggs, who lost Fitzgerald in a high speed pursuit. Fitzgerald then broke into a residence on Mill Road in Kingston and stole a handgun and other items before being apprehended ¼ mile away by a number of officers that had responded to the alert of the Robbery.

The search for Fitzgerald included the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department, Kingston Police Department, NH State Police and Brentwood PD.  "The rapid and effective response by the numerous police agencies in the area is a testament to the fact that close and coordinated relationships between these police agencies serve the interest of the public", said Reams.

The Defendant was sentenced to 3 to 6 years for probation violations on earlier drug convictions as a result of this Robbery.  All additional sentences are consecutive to the 3 to 6 he is currently serving.

Robbery (07-S-0086) 7 ½  to 15 years, concurrent with 07-S-0086
Felon in Possession of Dangerous Weapon (07-S-0087) 3 to 6 years, concurrent with 07-S-0086
Theft by Unauthorized Taking (07-S-0085) 3 to 6 years, concurrent with 07-S-0086
Burglary (07-S-0089) 2 ½ to 7 years consecutive to 07-S-0086
Theft by Unauthorized Taking (07-S-0084), 7 ½ to 15 years, suspended for 20 years