Massachusetts man sentenced for Burlington convenience store robbery

Richard Vardenski received 5.5 years in prison for 2024 holdup

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:10pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny metal BB gun barrel, reflecting a bright flash of light against a dark background, conceptually representing the threat of armed robbery.A recent spate of convenience store robberies in Burlington has left small business owners on edge and law enforcement searching for solutions.Burlington Today

A 57-year-old Massachusetts man named Richard Vardenski was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison on Friday for robbing a Burlington, Vermont convenience store in 2024. Vardenski walked into the Old North End Variety Store, pointed a BB gun at the clerk, and took $500 and a pack of cigarettes. At the time, he was on supervised release for a prior robbery conviction in Massachusetts.

Why it matters

Convenience store robberies are a persistent issue in many communities, often involving repeat offenders who target small businesses. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing and prosecuting these crimes, especially when suspects have prior criminal histories.

The details

According to authorities, Richard Vardenski entered the Old North End Variety Store in Burlington, Vermont in 2024 and pointed a BB gun at the clerk before stealing $500 and a pack of cigarettes. Vardenski was on supervised release at the time for a previous robbery conviction in Massachusetts.

  • Vardenski robbed the Burlington convenience store in 2024.
  • He was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison on March 30, 2026.

The players

Richard Vardenski

A 57-year-old man from Charlestown, Massachusetts who was convicted of robbing a Burlington, Vermont convenience store in 2024 while on supervised release for a prior robbery conviction.

Old North End Variety Store

The Burlington, Vermont convenience store that was robbed by Vardenski in 2024.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger measures to prevent repeat offenders from committing additional crimes, as well as the vulnerability of small businesses to armed robberies that can have lasting impacts on the local community.