GROTON, Conn. -- Two sailors stationed at the Groton sub base have been charged in the armed robbery of a bank in Waterford.

Victor Sowell, 25, and Jeffrey Cleckley, 25, were arraigned on Friday on first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and first-degree conspiracy to commit larceny charges in connection to a September robbery at a Bank of America branch on Boston Post Road.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Heather Hegedus reported public defenders painted positive depictions of both Sowell and Cleckley.

"Just so you know, the chief is here from the boat and stuck up for him today. He said he was a good worker who spent a lot of time in the gym, and he says the allegations are out of character for what he knows," the public defender said.

The attorney continued, saying, "He is married, he's originally from Florida, his wife is currently in North Carolina. He has no prior record of a criminal history here or anywhere else. The chief also said he is a good worker, came in on days he didn't have to, and this is totally out of character."

The defense hoped the character depictions would convince the judge to lower the $250,000 bond. Sowell remains in Waterford police custody.

Judge Kevin McMahon left bond at $250,000 each, and said the evidence against them is too great.

Court documents obtained by Eyewitness News say Cleckley admitted to knowingly cooperating in the robbery.

The court documents say Sowell was the driver of the getaway car, which belongs to Cleckley, and that Cleckley went along for the ride as a friend robbed the bank.

"In the warrant it says, this is quoting Mr. Cleckley, 'They needed him to do something, arranged to meet with him, they needed a getaway car,'" McMahon said.

The judge said Cleckley was paid $4,000 for the use of the car.

"That's a pretty strong admission in my opinion," McMahon said.

Cleckley is currently being tried in Raleigh, N.C., for a bank robbery in which Sowell's wife is accused of being the getaway driver.

Sowell and Cleckley are next due in court on Feb. 14. The sailors could also face discipline from the Navy.