Man sentenced to 63 months in prison for series of robberies at CVS pharmacy in Michigan

Michigan resident Kristopher Kukola was sentenced to 63 months in prison for robbing several CVS pharmacies in Van Buren Township, Saline and Milan, Michigan, before being arrested using a pill bottle lure.

Kukola, 39, robbed several CVS pharmacies in the same way:

• Demanding prescription pills.

• Brandishing what the victims thought was a gun.

• Order employees to lie on the floor

Court documents say Kukola robbed a CVS pharmacy in Van Buren Township by reaching into a jacket pocket and stating, “I'm armed,” and showing the handle of what the victim believed to be a black gun before directing one of the victims. lie down on the ground.

On June 2, 2022, the 39-year-old man robbed a CVS pharmacy in Saline. This time, Kukola presented the victims with a list of medications and demanded that an employee give him everything on the list.

He again displayed what appeared to be a black handgun and demanded that the victims lie on the ground.

On June 8, 2022, Kukola returned from the first flight to CVS in Van Buren. He handed a list of prescription medications to an employee, telling him, “Put everything on the list in the bag, or I'll start shooting.” I have a gun.

Kukola's last robbery occurred on July 7, 2022, when he robbed a CVS in Milan, Michigan.

Court documents say he handed an employee a list of prescription pills. But this time, employee placed GPS-tracking decoy pill bottle in Kukola's bag.

The tracking device allowed officials to track Kukola, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Kukola was sentenced to 63 months in prison.

“Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting violent crime and protecting our community from dangerous prescription drug diversion. said U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison. “No one should have to fear for their life because they work at a pharmacy, and I commend the quick thinking of the pharmacy employee who gave the defendant the decoy pill bottle that ultimately led to upon his arrest.”

“This case is an example of the FBI's relentless efforts to track down violent offenders who use fear and violence to steal dangerous prescriptions for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI in Michigan .

“I want to thank the Detroit Violent Crimes Task Force for their diligent work to identify and capture the defendant. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who engage in illegal activities that ruin the lives of Michiganders. »