4 Arrested In $340K Smash-And-Grab ATM Theft Ring
BOSTON (CBS) -- Four men have been arrested on allegations they were part of a smash-and-grab theft ring that stole about $340,000 from ATMs in six Massachusetts counties.
Harry Pierre, a spokesman for state Attorney General Martha Coakley, said the men were arrested Monday morning and were arraigned in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester superior courts. They are among 16 people indicted last week. The remaining suspects are either in custody on unrelated charges or will be summonsed to court for arraignment at a later date.
The men have been identified as James McNeil, 43, of Haverhill; Francisco Ortiz, 37, of Lowell; Wilson Martinez, 33, of Pepperell; and Feliciano Colon, 35, of Lawrence. All of them were ordered held on bail.
They are accused of stealing cash from ATMs in six counties, including Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Middlesex, Franklin and Worcester. Investigators allege the men would use their girlfriends as lookouts during the burglaries. Once they were inside the buildings they would break into the ATMs and steal money.
The men are facing many additional charges related to the crimes, including receiving a stolen vehicle.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
