CONCORD – Jonathan McKnight, 39, of Manchester, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by threats and violence by committing five robberies, United States Attorney Jane E. Young announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2020, McKnight 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.
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