PATCHOGUE MAN SENTENCED TO 4 1/2 TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON FOR BURGLARY

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Christopher Volpe, 44, of Patchogue, was sentenced to 4 ½ to 9 years in prison after pleading guilty in September to Burglary in the Third Degree his role in burglarizing Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Suffolk County in 2022.

“We will continue to hold those who negatively impact our quality of life in Suffolk County accountable for their actions,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Safe and successful businesses are vital to a healthy community, and they must be protected.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, between December 28, 2022, and January 20, 2023, Volpe burglarized Dunkin’ Donuts locations with the help of co-defendant Michael Gruber, 54, of Medford and alleged co-defendant Kristen Osmolia, 52, of Holbrook.

Investigators with the Suffolk County Police Department linked Gruber’s 2019 Chevrolet Equinox to each of the burglaries and apprehended the trio in the moments following their last alleged heist in Farmingville on January 20, 2022.

In total, Volpe, Gruber, and Osmolia collectively stole approximately $6,500 from five locations. Of that total, approximately $4,500 was recovered subsequent to the arrest of the defendants.

On May 31, 2023, Gruber pleaded guilty to one count of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D felony. Gruber is awaiting sentencing and is being represented by Robert Dapelo, Esq.

On September 7, 2023, Volpe pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable John B. Collins to two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class D felonies, in satisfaction of the indictment charging him with five counts of Burglary in the Third Degree. On October 19, 2023, Justice Collins sentenced Volpe to 4 ½ to 9 years prison.  Volpe was represented by Anthony Rutkowski, Esq.

Osmolia is charged with three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class D felony and is being held on $250,000 cash bail, $500,000 fully insured bond, and $1,000,000 partially secured surety bond. Osmolia is represented by Steven Wilutis, Esq. Her next court date is November 1, 2023.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carlos J. Benitez II of the Major Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Michael Stella of the Major Case Squad.

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Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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