FROM THE REGION.

COLUMN: FROM THE REGION

Clinton

Two men allegedly stole exotic dancer's winnings

CLINTON - Two Marlboro men will be back in court next month for an armed robbery on Green Street last week.

Sean T. LaCroix, 20, of 11 Warren Ave., Marlboro; and Michael J. Maroney, 25, of 45 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Marlboro, allegedly went to the home of a female acquaintance after they heard she won $1,500 in an exotic dance contest, according to Police Chief Mark R. Laverdure. Once in the house, the two allegedly told her they had guns and stole $600 of the winnings. The chief said the men may have known the woman through a friend.

Mr. LaCroix and Mr. Maroney are charged with armed assault in a dwelling, assault with a dangerous weapon, intimidating a witness, threatening to commit a crime, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

Mr. LaCroix is also charged with assault and battery.

Mr. Maroney is also charged with indecent assault and battery for an alleged groping incident.

The incident took place early on June 13. The men were arrested last week by Marlboro police, and arraigned in Clinton District Court Friday.

A spokesman for Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said Mr. LaCroix was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail, and Mr. Maroney on $2,000 cash bail.

Their cases are continued to July 16.

Spencer

Man flees scene after robbing bank

SPENCER- Police were searching last night for a man who robbed the Southbridge Savings Bank inside the Big Y on Route 9.

Police described the suspect as a white man in his late 20s or early 30s, wearing a dark-colored Red Sox T-shirt with a lighter collar, loose-fitting jeans, black shoes and a tan cap with a camouflage design on the brim. The man had a goatee and is about 6 feet, 2 inches tall, police said. He acted in a manner that made witnesses believe he was armed, though no weapon was shown.

The man went to the bank just after 4:30 p.m., demanded cash and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. Police Chief David B. Darrin said the suspect fled in a small, two-door silver sedan with a spoiler on the trunk and a sunroof. Police believe the vehicle may have been a 2008 Honda Accord.

Officers Valerie Morin and Joseph Gelinas are investigating. Police are asking anyone with information to call 911 or Spencer Police at (508) 885-6333.

Shrewsbury

Man gets probation for skimming purse

SHREWSBURY - A local man was sentenced to probation yesterday for using a pool skimmer to steal a woman's purse...