Bridgewater woman who police say robbed banks to pay rent appears in court

BROCKTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A Bridgewater woman charged with robbing four banks in three towns will faced a judge Monday.

Kerri Ann Heffernan was arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court on charges including armed and masked robbery with a firearm, armed assault to rob, and assault with a dangerous weapon. A not guilty plea was entered for her and bail set at $7,500.

Heffernan is suspected in a series of bank robberies at branches inside Brockton Stop and Shop grocery stores.

Police reviewed surveillance footage of the 31-year-old allegedly robbing two Citizens Bank branches in one day, less than 30 minutes apart from each other.

More charges are expected because Heffernan is allegedly connected to two other robberies in Stoughton and Whitman.

Police seized several items in connection with the robberies, including a 2011 Hyundai Elantra, cash, a cell phone, clothing, and items that were covered in red dye. A gun has not been recovered.

The Enterprise reports that Heffernan told police she needed money because she owed her landlord $1,950 in rent. Heffernan's lawyer said his client is "distraught" and "overwhelmed."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group