Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A sex offender with a long criminal record of robberies and burglaries is being sought in connection with robberies at banks in Newport and Providence this week.

Dennis Tasker

Dennis R. Tasker, 38, is suspected of robbing the Sovereign Bank branch at 212 Thayer St. in Providence on Tuesday morning, and the Sovereign Bank branch on Thames Street in Newport on Wednesday morning.

In both cases, the robber handed the tellers a note that demanded money, but he did not show a weapon. Police in Providence and Newport say they've issued warrants for his arrest, charging him with second-degree robbery in each case.

Tasker just got out of the Adult Correctional Institutions on June 7, where he became known for his artwork, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Tracey Zeckhausen. He was one of 41 artists who participated in the annual "Arts in Corrections" exhibit, shown at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill this spring.

Outside the prison, however, Tasker had a reputation for crime, starting when he was a teenager. He has been in and out of the ACI since December 1991, and his record shows that each time he's been released on one prison sentence, he's returned a month or a few months later on a new conviction, usually robberies, stolen cars, or break-ins.

In 1998, he was one of four men accused of sexually abusing young teenage boys at the carriage house of the Miramar estate in Newport; Tasker pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy and served a year sentence.

He was last incarcerated on May 4, 2002, for five year sentences on two breaking-and-entering convictions, and a 10-year sentence for a robbery, Zeckhausen said. He was convicted of robbing a bank in Newport.

Tasker was released this June. Exactly one month later, Providence and Newport police say, a man fitting Tasker's description walked into banks in their cities.

Although Tasker is a Newport native, he was registered as a sex offender in Providence on Superior Street.

 Tags  bank robberies Dennis R. Tasker Newport Providence

Comments

Bob said:

what a person to have running around!

Link | July 10, 2009 5:34 PM
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Ernie said:

When this scum gets apprehended, will somebody please lock him up and throw the key away???

Link | July 11, 2009 6:27 AM
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