![Man Nicknamed ‘Willy Wonka’ Pleads Guilty to ATM Thefts](http://townsquare.media/site/518/files/2018/10/GettyImages-129596613.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Man Nicknamed ‘Willy Wonka’ Pleads Guilty to ATM Thefts
SALEM, Mass. (AP) _ The leader of a multistate ATM and vehicle burglary ring known as Willy Wonka or the ``Chocolate Man'' has pleaded guilty to 60 charges.
The Salem News reports that 47-year-old William ``Willy Wonka'' Rodriguez pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in crimes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut that netted more than $300,000 in property and currency.
The Lawrence man was one of five people arrested in August during a police investigation dubbed Operation Golden Ticket.
Rodriguez remains jailed on $500,000 bail pending sentencing Nov. 7, where he faces 10 to 12 years in prison.
Authorities say the gang wore black clothing and masks, carried police scanners, two-way radios and power tools. They often stole vehicles, which they used to crash into businesses so they could steal ATMs.
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