Franklin man says kids were not with him at time he allegedly robbed convenience store

FRANKLIN — A city man who may or may not have had his children with him while he allegedly robbed the Franklin Mini Mart on South Main St. was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail yesterday.

After learning of the robbery and putting out an alert on the alleged vehicle involved, Franklin Police and a N.H. State Police Trooper were viewing video surveillance when they heard a report that Tilton Police had stopped the suspected vehicle at Dunkin' Donuts in their town.

By this time, Franklin Sgt. Doug Voebel had seen the footage and knew the suspect was Keith Kurinskas of 27 Woodrow Ave. Unit B. Voelbel said he had just arrested Kurinskas a few days before and recognized him as the man in the video.

Voelbel joined the Tilton Police while remaining Franklin Police processed the scene. Tilton Officer Nate Morrison informed Voelbel that Kurinskas had his two small sons with him.

According to affidavits presented yesterday in Franklin District Court or the 6th Circuit District, Franklin Division, video surveillance shows that Kurinskas allegedly walked into the store and showed the clerk a $1 bill and asked for change.

As the clerk was looking down, Kurinskas tried to cover his face and reached over the counter with one hand while showing a knife in the other. He grabbed for the larger bills, left the store and got into a white Ford Explorer.

Voelbel read Kurinskas his rights, took him back to Franklin. Affidavits indicated that all he would say was that his children were with him for only about 15 minutes before Tilton Police stopped him.

Officers said that when they told Kurinskas that the robbery only occurred about 15 or 20 minutes before Tilton Police stopped him, Kurinskas answered only that his "kids were at home" with his brother.

When Morrison asked Kurinskas if "he hit the store," affidavits said only that Kurinskas mumbled "No."

Kurinskas is charged with one count of felony armed robbery and one count of breach of bail.

Also yesterday, Judge Edward "Ned" Gordon found Kurinskas guilty on a unrelated charge of using a woman's credit card without her authorization to buy $13.59 of goods at Hannaford and $43.26 of goods at CVS. He was also found guilty of receiving stolen property.

Gordon ordered him to pay $500 restitution to Franklin Savings Bank and sentenced him to pay a $1,200 fine.

At this point, Kurinskas is not facing any charges regarding whether or not his children were with him at the time of the robbery. Franklin Police continue to investigate.