Bank robbing pair indicted for North Shore crime spree

SALEM-A Salem couple accused of stealing thousands of dollars from two banks in Saugus and one in Lynnfield during a four week crime spree have been indicted by an Essex County grand jury.Daniel J. Buckley, Jr., 34, and Rachel K. Fulton, 28, both of 7A Buffum Street Extension, Salem, are charged with two counts of armed robbery as well as masked armed robbery in connection with a crime spree that began in December.On Dec. 8 authorities say they robbed about $3,300 from the Eastern Bank at 605 Broadway in Saugus.Buckley reportedly entered the bank around 4 p.m. wearing a wool hat pulled down almost over his eyes, sunglasses and a scarf while Fulton apparently disguised her features by wearing large sunglasses and a possible wig. They each went up to different tellers, passing a note demanding money while indicating they had a weapon. The two made off with about $3,300.The incident was captured on the bank surveillance camera.Then on Dec. 21, they apparently went to the Saugus Bank, located at 312 Lynn Fells Parkway in Saugus where they reportedly stole approximately $3,408.On Feb. 12, authorities believe they robbed $4,244 from the Eastern Bank on Salem Street in Lynnfield.The two were arrested about one-half hour later outside Buckley’s mother’s home on Nicholson Street inside a 1996 green Ford Explorer.Police recovered the stolen money, including marked “bait money” from the couple. Some was found in Buckley’s pants and additional cash was discovered in Fulton’s bra, police said.The indictments now move their case from Peabody District Court, where they pleaded innocent, to Salem Superior Court, where they will be re-arraigned within a few weeks.In the meantime, they remain held without bail.Assistant District Attorney James P. Gubitose is assigned to prosecute their case.