ATM Bomber Jalal Gets 15-60 Years

DECATUR, GA – Abdurrahim Jalal, 54, of DeKalb County, is facing a hefty prison sentence after being found guilty of detonating a pipe bomb at an ATM in Decatur, Georgia, and making off with nearly $88,000. The brazen act, which occurred on March 29, 2023, wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; Jalal also possessed additional unregistered destructive devices at his home when investigators finally caught up with him.

The evidence presented during the bench trial on June 23, 2025, painted a clear picture of greed overriding common sense – and public safety. Jalal didn’t just rob an ATM; he blew it up, risking the lives of anyone nearby. After the explosion, he pilfered approximately $88,000 from the machine’s vault. The subsequent investigation quickly zeroed in on Jalal, leading to a search warrant and the discovery of more homemade bombs.

“Criminals who use dangerous explosives to commit crimes will face federal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” declared U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg in a statement following the conviction. “We will not tolerate conduct that puts innocent lives at risk or threatens the safety and stability of our communities.” The sentiment was echoed by FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown, who emphasized, “Jalal put his own greed ahead of the safety of our community. The FBI will use every resource available to find anyone who would go to the extreme use of a bomb to illegally obtain money.”

Jalal was convicted on multiple counts, including bank theft, use of an explosive to commit a felony, arson, and two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device. ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka added, “The use of explosives in criminal activities poses an immense threat to public safety, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that those who engage in such acts are brought to justice.” It’s a standard statement, sure, but the reality of a pipe bomb going off in a residential area isn’t lost on anyone.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown. Jalal faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years behind bars, with a potential maximum sentence of 60 years. He’ll also be looking at up to three years of supervised release if he ever gets out. The judge will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, though those aren’t binding.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the DeKalb County Police Department, and the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is handling the prosecution. For inquiries, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. More information can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.