Description: Concord, New Hampshire criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with interference with commerce by threats and violence by committing five robberies.

On March 25, 2020, Jonathan McKnight, 39, of Manchester, robbed a convenience store in Manchester by passing a note to the clerk indicating he had a gun and wanted money. On March 28, 2020, McKnight robbed another convenience store in Manchester by again passing a note to the clerk ordering the clerk to give him the money. On this occasion, he gestured toward his back waistband while lifting up his sweatshirt. An officer who reviewed the store video footage recognized McKnight as the person in the video. On March 30, 2020, Manchester police officers conducted a post-arrest interview with McKnight. He admitted to committing both robberies and passing the same note at each robbery. While acknowledging he had claimed to have a gun during the robberies, he stated he did not possess a gun during the robberies.

On July 7, 2020, Manchester police officers responded to another robbery. The cashier gave the officers a description of the robber and told them that the robber had placed a note on the counter. The cashier gave the robber approximately $100-$150 from the drawer, mostly $1.00 bills. After reviewing the store video footage, officers located McKnight wearing the same clothing worn by the robber. He had approximately $60, including approximately 25 $1.00 bills.

On March 7, 2021, and March 10, 2021, McKnight committed additional robberies at two separate locations in Goffstown. Investigators received a tip that McKnight committed both robberies and McKnight later admitted that he committed both robberies.

McKnight previously pleaded guilty on November 29, 2021.

“Robberies and other violent crimes not only endanger lives but also spread fear throughout the community,” said U.S. Attorney Young. “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.”

“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,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’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.”

These matters were investigated by the Manchester Police Department and Goffstown Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.

18 U.S.C. § 1951(a) - Interference With Commerce by Threats or Violence

Outcome: Defendant was sentenced to 70 months. This term consists of a term of 64 months on Counts 1 through 3 in Docket No. 20-CR-129 and Counts 1 and 2 in Docket No. 21-CR-102, all such terms to be served concurrently; and a term of 6 months under 18 U.S.C. § 3147, to be served consecutively to the terms imposed on all other counts in both Docket No. 20-CR-00129 and Docket No. 21-CR-00102 with Recommendations; Remanded to US Marshal custody; Supervised Release- 3 years. This term consists of terms of 3 years on Counts 1 through 3 in Docket No. 20-CR-00129 and Counts 1 and 2 in Docket Number 21-CR-00102, such terms to run concurrently, with Mandatory, Standard and Special Conditions; $500.00 Special Assessment due immediately; $1,649.00 in Restitution as follows- $939 on Docket No. 1:20CR00129, and $710 in Docket No. 1:21CR00102 with Payment Schedule; Fine waived due to inability to pay.

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