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by Bob_Ward from Dedham

Last Post 5 days, 2 hours Ago


Teardrop Bandit Convicted!
Jul 26, 2008 | 6:36 PM
Category: News
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Want to make sure you all are aware of this story.

This week a Norfolk County Superior Court Jury convicted Robert Chadronet, AKA the Teardrop Bandit, of robbing a Foxboro bank in February 2005.

I covered this story for New England's Unsolved back when the Teardrop Bandit was hitting banks at a ferocious clip. Authorities think he may have struck as many as 18 banks in a little more than a year before he was finally caught! Most of the banks were in Massachusetts, but three of them were located in New Hampshire.

There were so many banks that local police departments formed a task force and made it a priority to catch the guy. In fact, they were actively looking for the Teardrop Bandit when Needham Police saw Chadronet acting suspiciously near a local bank in January 2007. Chadronet matched the description of the Bandit so police moved in. But Chadronet wouldn't pull over for any of the marked cruisers, so police chased him onto Route 128 where rush hour traffic prevented a getaway.

Here are a couple surveillance photos from the Teardrop Bandit's spree.


(Photo: Rhode Island Most Wanted)


(Photo: Rhode Island Most Wanted)

See that mark under the Teardrop Bandit's eye? That's why they called this guy the Teardrop Bandit. For months police were not sure if that mark was a mole or a gang tattoo, but it was something that showed up in most of the surveillance photos.

Here's a photo of Robert Chadronet at his arraignment when he was arrested in 2007. Chardronet lived in Providence, RI.

(Photo: The Sun Chronicle)

Police have told me that notorious teardrop was neither a mole nor a tattoo. They say it was a temporary mark that was applied to the face before a robbery.

It took the jury just five hours to convict Chadronet. Right now he is held without bail pending his sentencing, which will take place on September 9, 2008. Chadronet faces a life sentence.

But this is not Chadronet's only trial. He is indicted for bank robberies in Franklin, Sharon and Needham.

An interesting case, to say the least.

Bob Ward
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Member Comments Total Comments: 7
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Graham_Cracker read my blog view my photos
Jul 26, 2008 | 6:58 PM

Bob,

When I first saw this story break, I saw this blog coming up the information superhighway, and you didn't disappoint. You really must be one of the hardest-working guys over at Fox 25...no joke. You're always right on top of this stuff. You've got a niche carved out for you, man. I can see you taking flight. I seriously think greener pastures are in your future.
Now if only I could say the same for the Red Sox, who - at the time I'm typing this - are getting their diapers spanked by the Yankees. I can't bear to watch anymore...8 innings is enough...my son wants to do some exercises on the Wii Fit, so I'm yielding the TV to him.
TheEliteOne read my blog
Jul 26, 2008 | 8:22 PM

I like how all stories lead back to the sox when they lose.

They did get spanked.
Graham_Cracker read my blog view my photos
Jul 26, 2008 | 9:25 PM

...Yankees fan, 'Leet'?
themunk read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 5:02 AM

Bob I am so glad that this loser is locked up with no bail till sentencing. What was the story behind the bank robberies, was he another drug addict ? My next door neighbor had her son caught FINALLY after he robbed 7 banks in the boston area and he got out on a reduced bail of 10,000. Once released, the heroine addict/accused bank robber was AGAIN ARRESTED FOR SELLING COCAINE NEAR OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ! Now he has a bail of 100,000 dollars which is low considering he violated the terms of previous bail. I am only sharing this story because I was curious to know if this guy had a similar background because 18 banks is alot and seems to be the pattern of dope feens. Strange that as of late many, many banks are being robbed by only a handful of guys.Thanks for sharing your story Bob. I joke around with you alot on t.v. but on the serious tip: I have so much respect and admiration for you as your hard work has deemed you THE BEST to me and many others out here..... mary in cambridge
Chip read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 6:23 AM

Ditto. themunk...Nice work as "anchor" to Bob!!!
Bob_Ward read my blog view my photos
Jul 29, 2008 | 12:33 AM

Hi Dave and Chip,


Many, Many thanks!

Bob
Bob_Ward read my blog view my photos
Jul 29, 2008 | 12:40 AM

Hi Mary!

You are too kind. Many thanks, I really appreciate it!

I didn't cover the trial for Chadronet, so I'm not up to speed on all aspects of the case.

However, one investigator told me that Chardronet was not a drug addict, but a fitness buff. At the beginning of the case, it appeared the Teardrop Bandit was losing weight and some felt he might be an addict.

But, after the arrest investigators learned that Chadronet was working out and took great pride in his appearance.

I don't know the motive in this case, but if I find out, I'll let you know.

Thanks again, Mary. Great to hear from you.

BW
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Bob_Ward

I am a reporter/anchor specializing in crime and regular features such as New England's Unsolved and Mass Most Wanted.

Member Since: 10/16/2006


 

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