CONCORD, NH: Michelle Despres, formerly of Manchester, NH, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison, followed by a three year period of supervised release at a hearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Steven J. McAuliffe.  Despres had previously pled guilty to five charges relating to a series of armed robberies including conspiracy to commit robbery; three counts of robbery; and one count of attempted robbery announced United States Attorney John P. Kacavas.
                       
Michelle Despres and co-conspirators Phillip Rawnsley and Justin Reynolds were arrested on December 29, 2007 during an attempted armed robbery of the night deposit drop of a Bedford, New Hampshire business.  After a brief investigation of the crime, law enforcement officials tied Rawnsley and Despres to three prior armed robberies in Manchester and Allenstown.

This case was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Manchester Police Department, Allenstown Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Perkes.            

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal program to reduce gun violence in New Hampshire by aggressive investigation and prosecution of firearm offenders, education of the public and training of law enforcement. To obtain additional information about Project Safe Neighborhoods go to www.projectsafeneighborhoods.gov.

 

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