Boston Man Convicted of Bank Robbery

BOSTON—A Boston man was convicted yesterday in federal court of robbing a West Roxbury bank.

ANDREW V. HIGGINS, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to the robbery of the Hyde Park Savings Bank in West Roxbury in November 2010. Had the case proceeded to trial, the government’s evidence would have proven that on November 3, 2010, an individual, later identified as Higgins, entered the Hyde Park Savings Bank in West Roxbury dressed in a blue sweatshirt and black ski mask. Higgins robbed the tellers and then fled to an awaiting vehicle outside. Bank personnel were able to record the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate and, a short time later, police encountered the vehicle and the driver was detained. Higgins was located a short time later exiting a cab on Savin Hill Avenue in Dorchester. He attempted to flee but was apprehended after a short foot chase. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Higgins, who had in his possession a blue sweatshirt and $2,594 in U.S. currency, indicated his involvement in the robbery.

Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for October 21. Higgins faces up to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution to the Hyde Park Savings bank.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Boston Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Unit.