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Man, woman arrested for masked holdup in Holliston

HOLLISTON, Mass. — A man and woman responsible for an armed robbery at bank in Holliston have been arrested, according to the FBI.

Patricia Desena, 33, and Oliver Walsh, 30, were the man and woman pictured in surveillance video robbing the TD Bank on Washing Street in Holliston, Massachusetts, the FBI said in a news release Thursday.

The Violent Crimes Task Force said it had been tracking the pair since October 24, 2017 when they were caught on camera wearing masks and carrying a weapon.

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Walsh was arrested Wednesday evening in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the FBI said, and Desena was arrested by Holliston police and the Boston Police Department Thursday morning. Both are charged with armed bank robbery while masked and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Local and state investigators had asked for help from the public, and one tip in particular led them to the information they needed for an arrest.

“We’re extremely grateful that we were able to apprehend these individuals before anyone got hurt, and we’d like to thank the public for its assistance in this case. Because of the courage of a concerned citizen coming forward, we were able to identify those we believe to be responsible, and a reward will be paid,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.

Desena, hiding her face on Thursday, pleaded not guilty. Her attorney questioned whether the confidential tipster named her client.

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"There is no information in the police report naming or identifying the defendant," the attorney said.

Prosecutors said Desena has faile dto appear on 15 prior court cases, but her attorney said she has a substance abuse problem and no history of violent crimes.

A $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrest was offered in May.

The judge ultimately found enough probable cause to hold Desena without bail, pending a dangerousness hearing set for Monday.