By Christopher Williams,Staff Writer

AUBURN – A New Hampshire man charged in connection with two recent robberies at the same bank in Lewiston was ordered to stay away from the bank.

That was one of the conditions a judge put on Michael V. Hehir, 21, of Portsmouth, N.H., during his appearance in Androscoggin County Superior Court this week.

He was held at Androscoggin County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash. Should he make bail, he is not allowed at any Bank of America branch, according to court records.

Hehir was charged last week with Class A robbery along with another New Hampshire man, Richard C. Hamilton, 33, of Lee. He was being held in Portsmouth on related charges. Hehir waived extradition to Maine.

Police say the two were involved in robberies at the Bank of America on Sabattus Street once in April and again in May.

New Hampshire police said they believe the two also are linked to a robbery in Hooksett, N.H., as well as a drug ring.

Lewiston and Portsmouth police detectives worked together to nab the two, plus a third man, Christian Jennings, 19, of Dover, N.H., in connection with the recent robberies and drug distribution. Their arrests resulted in the seizure of more than $40,000 worth of marijuana.

Police traced the license plates of the getaway car to a rental from New Hampshire. The car was spotted after failing to pay a toll on the Maine Turnpike in Wells.

Hamilton is being held at the Rockingham County House of Corrections in Brentwood, N.H., without bail on narcotics charges, Portsmouth Police Sgt. Michael Ronchi said. Hamilton is then expected to appear in court here on robbery charges.