BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — The Florida man suspected of robbing Massena Savings and Loan on Feb. 7 is a convicted sex offender.

According to records available through the New York State criminal justice department, Jeffrey Howell, 33, is a level two sex offender.

His most recent address was listed as North Lawrence, with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s office listed as the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, according to state records.

Howell was charged with one count of felony lewd or lascivious battery on Oct. 26, 2007 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and was convicted of the charge on June 9, 2008, according to state records.

He was sentenced to 13 months in state prison and two years of probation.

Howell is currently being held at St. Lawrence County Correctional facility, following his arrest as the suspect in the Massena Savings and Loan robbery.

Howell was apprehended just blocks from the bank, near Trinity School on Main St., according to previous reports.

Area schools briefly went into lockdown following the reported robbery, though the lockdown was lifted quickly following Howell’s quick arrest.

The Massena Police Department also offered praise to bank staff members following the ordeal.

“We at Massena PD would like to extend our appreciation to the Massena Savings & Loan staff. They did everything right during yesterday's events under a great deal of stress and pressure. The staff relied upon their training and instincts. Those actions greatly enhanced the safety of our community and our ability to apprehend the suspect in a very short period of time. Massena is fortunate to have them. Thank you,” police officials said.