Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
The man that Boston police have dubbed the Bonbon Bandit allegedly robbed another store on Thursday. In this attempt, the suspect, who is blamed for at least 18 robberies at upscale clothing, food, and decorating stores at the South End and in downtown Boston, robbed a five-and-dime store on Albany Street.
A witness says the man entered the shop at 5:30 in the afternoon, took a bottle of water from the cooler, and went to the counter where he then took cash from the register.
The Bonbon Bandit is known for striking at businesses where there are primarily women employees and no security cameras. Seven of the places robbed by the alleged suspect were ice cream shops. He is also a suspect in several other robberies, including thefts that took place at stationary shops, a candle store, gift shops, and a dry cleaner’s.
The suspect has allegedly used a handgun, a sawed-off shotgun, and a knife during some of the robberies.
Robbery is considered a violent crime in Massachusetts. It is what occurs when someone uses intimidation or violence to take someone else’s property. When the suspect uses a gun, knife, or another weapon to commit the robbery, then the crime becomes armed robbery.
Under Massachusetts General Laws-Crimes Against the Person-Chapter 265, Section 17:
“Whoever, being armed with a dangerous weapon, assaults another and robs, steals or takes from his person money or other property which may be the subject of larceny shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years; provided, however, that any person who commits any offence described herein while masked or disguised or while having his features artificially distorted shall, for the first offence be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than five years and for any subsequent offence for not less than ten years.
Whoever commits any offense described herein while armed with a firearm, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than five years.
Any person who commits a subsequent offense while armed with a firearm, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or assault weapon shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 15 years.”
Cops: Bonbon Bandit Quenched Thirst in Latest Theft, Boston Herald.com, July 7, 2007
Boston Police Hunt for Sweet Shop Bandit, Forbes.com, July 6, 2007
Massachusetts General Laws – Crimes Against the Person – Chapter 265, Section 17
If you are a suspect in an armed robbery case, it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Your criminal defense attorney can defend you against false charges, file motions to get certain evidence suppressed, or possibly get the charges dismissed.
At Altman & Altman LLP, our criminal defense lawyers have successfully defendant many clients accused of committing crimes in Massachusetts. Our offices are conveniently located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and we represent clients throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Call (617) 206-1942 or (877) 721-4732 and ask for a free consultation.
