July 2, 2009 FBI: Suspects may be linked to U30 bank heists Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer) - 33-year-old Dmitri Long is now charged with the Wednesday's armed robbery of this Sovereign Bank in Needham.

44-year-old Michael Coty was the alleged getaway driver, now facing the same charges. Both believed to be connected to the so-called "U30 robber", because the suspect pulled it off in under 30 seconds.

Kevin McCrae: "Authorities were investigating seven other prior event robberies, and led them to surveillance of Mr. Coty and Mr Long."

Just a week ago police linked all seven robberies, put out a Wanted poster and posted a reward for information. It's unclear if that generated the needed tip. But the FBI says information developed during the investigation led them to this bank. Prosecutors said both had been followed by police for some time.

James W. McCarthy, Long's Defense Attorney: "So what? Lots of people are under surveillance all the time, right? It's the United States government."

"Prosecutors say police watched as Coty dropped off Long, entering the bank fully covered with a gun in hand. Long would emerge from the bank a short time later fleeing on foot down Highland Ave." Kevin McCrae

"He struggled throughout the entire capture process. Inside the satchel was approximately $10-thousand dollars."

According to neighbors, Coty is a roofer who lived at this Dedham apartment with two teenaged children. While Long's friend and ex-girlfriend insisted he could not be the "U30 Bandit."

Ashleigh

Irving, Long's former girlfriend: "If he had done those seven other banks I wouldn't be standing here broke. He didn’t do it. If he got caught for one he will do his time. Listen he did not seven other banks or I would be going shopping."

Ashleigh Irving says Long's brother recently died and had been devastated by the loss. She described Coty as Long's half-brother.

Ashleigh Irving, Long's former girlfriend: "He's a good person. Shocked me. Probably just very upset about his brother and everything. Bad position. I feel really bad."

Neither man has been charged with any other armed robbery. But police continue their investigation. They are being held on $250,000 cash bail and will be back in court in three weeks.

This isn't the first time we have reported on Dmitri Long. Back in 2004 he was charged with a hate crime for stabbing and beating a white man because he was dating a black woman. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to more than three years in jail.