Bridgewater woman arraigned in bank robbery case

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Bridgewater woman has admitted to robbing three banks because she needed the money to pay her rent.

Authorities say 31-year-old Kerri Ann Heffernan -- who has a young daughter -- went on a crime spree, robbing three banks in two days.

“Educated, long stable employment, and suddenly she’s allegedly robbing banks and in fact giving the money to landlord to pay rent,” said Edward Sharkansky, defense attorney.

Heffernan’s attorney says his client paid her nearly $2,000 rent with the stolen money.

Heffernan hid her face during her arraignment Monday; though there are surveillance pictures showing her face inside a Citizens Bank in Whitman where she tried to conceal her identity with a hood.

Investigators say the Heffernan would pass a note demanding cash. Police say in the Whitman case the note said she had a gun.

Heffernan robbed other Citizens Banks located inside Stop & Shops in Brockton. One witness says Heffernan claimed to have a knife during one of the robberies.

“Quite familiar with the defendant. She actually banks at the bank that she was robbing,” said Matthew Ghiloni, prosecutor.

Heffernan’s plan fell apart at one of the Brockton banks. Authorities say the teller recognized Heffernan not only because she banks at the location, but also because their children attend the same school.

The tellers identified Heffernan to police. Police located Heffernan and arrested her.

“She’s distraught, she’s overwhelmed, she’s a mother,” said Sharkansky.

Police say Heffernan is accused in a fourth bank robbery which apparently occurred in Stoughton in September.

Bail was set at $7,500 cash.