Rutland, Vermont Man Charged with Attempted Convenience Store Robbery

BURLINGTON - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Todd Bussino, age 42, of Rutland, Vermont, with interfering with commerce by attempted robbery.

Bussino entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on July 21, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Bussino also appeared on allegations he violated his federal supervised release. Judge Doyle ordered that Bussino be detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled.

According to court records, on June 14, 2026, Bussino walked into a Rutland convenience store while wearing a hat and mask, displayed a box cutter, and demanded the money in the cash register. The cashier told Bussino no and retreated to the store's office. Bussino attempted to open the register himself, failed, and left the store after stealing a beverage.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bussino is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Bussino faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and the FBI.

The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Bussino is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.