Alleged "Pillowcase Bandits" arraigned for series of break-ins

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Two men who prosecutors say called themselves the “ Pillowcase Bandits” were arraigned in a Northampton courtroom on Tuesday.

Aaron Provencher, 34, and Antonio Velez, 27, both of Athol are accused of being behind a series of break-ins in Franklin, Hampden, and Worcester Counties.

Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Jeremy Bucci alleges that Provencher and Velez stole tens of thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry, medications, and personal items, from the homes, and sold them in pawn shops so they could buy drugs.

According to Bucci, the two referred to themselves as the “Pillowcase Bandits” because they would take pillowcases from the houses’ bedrooms, and stuff them with the stolen items.

Provencher and Velez are accused of break-ins to homes in Athol, Hardwick, New Salem, Petersham, and Russell. Each man faces several charges, including four counts of larceny over $250, four counts of breaking and entering, four counts of vandalism, and seven counts of receiving stolen property over $250.

In court, Provencher was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, and Velez was ordered held on $30,000 bail. They will be in court again on June 4.