Pair from Lawrence arrested in elaborate Berwick ATM heist

BERWICK - Two Lawrence, Mass., men were arrested on Monday in the burglary of two ATM machines at a Northeast Credit ATM kiosk in Berwick in June.

Berwick Police responded to the ATM burglary at 380 Portland Street on June 17, where it was learned burglars used power tools to make entry into the ATM Kiosk where they later disabled the alarm system. The suspects forced entry into two ATM machines and stole a large amount of currency. The suspects used a stolen medical supply van from Kittery to accomplish the burglary.

A multi-state investigation revealed to police that a group of individuals from Lawrence were responsible for over 10 ATM burglaries and a commercial burglary where suspects stole Apple iPhones, computers and other electronics. Investigators were able to show that these individuals were linked to crimes through digital, forensic and physical evidence.

The Berwick Police Department, itself, participated in weeks of stationary and mobile surveillance of the suspects in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Investigators noticed the suspects would scout the locations prior to the actual burglaries and were able to identify the suspects and their vehicles on a variety of surveillance footage.

During the early morning hours Monday Berwick Police Detective Ron Lund participated in a multijurisdictional enforcement action including the execution of simultaneous search warrants as well as the arrest of several individuals.

Investigators located burglary tools, US currency, clothing (gloves and masks), computers, cell phones and a firearm at the residences of the suspects. Investigators seized a number of vehicles that the suspects used in the commission of the crimes or were purchased with the stolen funds.

David Barker, 39, Efrain Montero 40, both of Lawrence, were charged with four counts of Larceny, Conspiracy, two counts of receiving stolen property, two counts of receiving stolen motor vehicles, possession of burglary tools and money laundering. Both were arraigned in Lawrence District Court and are being held on $500,000 cash bail.

Investigators say more arrests are expected in the immediate future and all suspects will face criminal proceedings in the state of Maine. The Berwick Police Department is consulting with the FBI and US Attorney's Office in regards to possible federal charges.

Berwick Police Chief Timothy Towne indicated that the arrests of the individuals responsible for the burglaries showed the magnitude of the cooperative efforts of all the law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the internal corporate security for the banks and credit unions. Security Fraud Manager Chris Roux of Northeast Credit Union provided Investigators with valuable information and evidence that ultimately led to the arrests of the suspects.

"I am thankful that this serious crime was able to be solved without any injuries to law enforcement," Chief Towne said in a statement. "Things could have gone horribly different had an officer interrupted the suspects during one of the actual criminal acts. Our officers conduct business checks at varied times and had checked that specific location on Route 4 that evening."