Operation Golden Ticket nets arrest of ‘Willy Wonka’
SALEM, Mass. — Massachusetts authorities say they have shut down a multistate ATM and vehicle theft ring run by a career criminal known as Willy Wonka or “the Chocolate Man.”
The six-month investigation that led to five arrests was called Operation Golden Ticket and involved 50 law enforcement agencies.
William “Willy Wonka” Rodriguez was held on $500,000 bail after pleading not guilty Thursday to 60 charges connected to crimes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut that netted more than $300,000 in property and currency.
Nelson Rodriguez was held on $60,000 bail after pleading not guilty to 44 charges.
They aren’t related.
A third defendant was held on $1,000 bail. Two suspects remain at large.
William Rodriguez’s attorney agreed with bail. Nelson Rodriguez’s attorney said his client deserves the “dignity” of going home on bail.
