A quiet New Year’s Eve took a sharp turn in Berlin, Connecticut, when a local bank became the scene of a tense robbery. Federal prosecutors now say the suspect, 55-year-old Thomas Marra, has been formally indicted. The charge comes after weeks of investigation and builds on earlier state-level arrests tied to the same incident.

The robbery happened on December 31, 2025, at a Webster Bank branch on Webster Square Road. According to police, Marra walked into the bank wearing a mask and handed a teller a note demanding cash. The note included a threat, stating he would use a firearm if the teller did not comply.

Authorities say Marra left the bank with money and quickly fled the scene. Investigators later identified the getaway vehicle as a gray 2020 Cadillac CT6. That car became a key piece of the case. It helped law enforcement trace his movements after the robbery.

Within days, police tracked Marra down and placed him under arrest on January 7, 2026. He has remained in custody since that date, first facing state charges before the federal case took shape.

From State Charges to Federal Indictment

The Berliner / The case took a major step forward on April 1, 2026, when a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment against Marra. He now faces a formal charge of bank robbery under federal law.

Earlier, Berlin police had charged Marra with second-degree robbery and sixth-degree larceny. At that time, he was held on a $150,000 bond. Those charges focused on the immediate facts of the robbery, but federal prosecutors expanded the case based on the nature of the crime and the institutions involved.

Federal bank robbery charges carry heavier consequences and stricter sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors argue that crimes involving federally insured banks fall under federal jurisdiction. That gives agencies like the FBI a direct role in the investigation and prosecution.

However, the indictment itself is not proof of guilt. It simply means the grand jury found enough evidence to move the case forward. Marra still has the right to defend himself in court, and the legal process will determine the final outcome.

Prosecutors say Marra was on federal supervised release at the time of the alleged robbery. That status adds a layer of legal trouble that could increase the consequences if he is convicted.

Marra had previously served time for a narcotics trafficking offense. In May 2023, a federal court in New Haven sentenced him to 60 months in prison. He was released in June 2025, just months before the New Year’s Eve robbery took place.

In this case, a conviction would not only mean punishment for the robbery itself. It could also trigger a separate violation of his supervised release. That combination can lead to longer sentences and fewer chances for leniency.

What the Charges Could Mean?

Windsor Star / Federal bank robbery is a serious offense with heavy penalties. If convicted, Marra faces up to 20 years in prison.

The exact sentence would depend on several factors, including the details of the crime and his prior record.

The alleged threat of a firearm plays a major role in how the case may be viewed. Even if no weapon was shown, the claim of having one can increase the severity of the charge. Courts often treat threats during robberies as a sign of elevated risk to public safety.

Now that the indictment has been filed, the case will move through the federal court system. Marra will appear before a judge for initial proceedings, where the charges will be formally presented. From there, the case could head toward trial unless a plea agreement is reached.

During this phase, both sides will prepare their arguments. Prosecutors will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build their case. The defense will review that evidence and look for ways to challenge it or reduce the charges.