In a recent case, four men from Texas have pleaded guilty to stealing cash and damaging ATMs in three different states. Jamarlon Butler, Marques Strambler, David Hill, and Traveon Odoms were charged with stealing money and causing destruction to ATMs using hooks, chains, and stolen trucks in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. Each defendant could face up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing is scheduled for December 7th. Authorities emphasize their commitment to holding individuals accountable for their criminal actions, which not only cause loss and damage but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.
Title
Four Texas Men Plead Guilty to Stealing Cash, Damaging ATMs in Three States
Overview
Four Houston residents have recently pleaded guilty to federal charges for stealing cash and damaging ATMs using hooks, chains, and stolen trucks in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including details of the thefts in each state, the charges and maximum penalties faced by the defendants, the involvement of law enforcement agencies, and the statements from U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary and the FBI.
Introduction
In a series of thefts spanning three states, four men from Houston, Texas, have taken responsibility for their actions by pleading guilty to federal charges. These individuals, Jamarlon Butler, Marques Strambler, David Hill, and Traveon Odoms, have been accused of stealing cash and damaging ATMs using various methods, causing significant financial loss and damage to multiple businesses and communities. This article will provide an in-depth look at the case, shedding light on the details of each theft, the charges they face, and the progress of the investigation.
Main Content
1. Plea of Guilty by Four Houston Residents
In recent court proceedings, Jamarlon Butler, Marques Strambler, David Hill, and Traveon Odoms, all residents of Houston, Texas, have pleaded guilty to federal charges for their involvement in the theft and damages to ATMs in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. These individuals have acknowledged their participation in the criminal activities and have taken responsibility for their actions.
2. Charges and Maximum Penalties
The defendants, Butler, Strambler, Hill, and Odoms, each face charges of conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States. If convicted, the maximum penalties they may face include a prison sentence of up to five years, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. It is important to note that there is no parole in the federal system.
3. Sentencing Date
The sentencing of the defendants has been scheduled for December 7, before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. During this hearing, the judge will consider the evidence presented and determine an appropriate sentence for each defendant based on their level of involvement and the impact of their actions on the affected communities.
4. Statement from U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary has expressed his firm commitment to holding individuals accountable for their criminal actions that result in financial losses and damages to people, businesses, and communities. He condemns the actions of the defendants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order.
5. FBI’s Investigation Involvement
The FBI’s involvement in the investigation highlights the severity of the crimes committed by the defendants. Special Agent Rich Bilson, the Senior Resident of FBI Atlanta’s Columbus office, has affirmed that damaging property and stealing cash from banks is a federal crime, irrespective of the presence of violence. The FBI is dedicated to thoroughly investigating such crimes to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
6. Theft and Damages in Three States
The defendants’ criminal activities spanned three states: Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. They used various methods to steal cash from ATMs and caused significant damages to the machines. In total, the defendants are held responsible for three separate incidents, resulting in a combined loss of $166,482.18 in cash and damages.
7. Details of the First Theft in Georgia
The first theft occurred on June 16, 2021, in the Middle District of Georgia. The defendants stole a Ford F250 truck from Phenix, Alabama, and targeted the SunTrust Bank on Courtyard Way in Columbus, Georgia. Although their attempt to access the money inside the ATM was unsuccessful, it caused approximately $12,727 in damages.
8. Details of the Second Theft in Alabama
Approximately forty minutes after the failed attempt in Columbus, the defendants successfully robbed the ATM machine at Phenix Girard Bank on Highway 280 in Phenix City, Alabama, using the same stolen truck. In this incident, they managed to steal cash and caused damages amounting to $129,804.44. The abandoned truck was discovered the next day, a short distance away from the crime scene, and surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the abandonment.
9. Details of the Third Theft in Louisiana
In their final theft, the defendants stole a truck in Covington, Louisiana, on July 27. They attempted to rob the ATM at the Hancock Whitney Bank in Covington but were unsuccessful. Surveillance video footage shows the defendants attaching a tow chain and hook to the front of the ATM in an attempt to access the internal safe. This failed attempt resulted in $23,950.74 in damages to the ATM.
10. Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
The investigation into these crimes involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including FBI-Atlanta, FBI-New Orleans, the Columbus Police Department, the Phenix City Police Department in Alabama, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. These agencies collaborated to gather evidence, analyze surveillance footage, and apprehend the defendants.
11. Prosecution of the Case
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. With the evidence collected and the guilty pleas entered by the defendants, the prosecution aims to present a strong case that highlights the gravity of their offenses and seeks appropriate penalties.
12. Conclusion and Future Updates
As the legal proceedings continue, further updates will be available regarding the sentencing of the defendants and any additional developments in the case. The guilty pleas by Jamarlon Butler, Marques Strambler, David Hill, and Traveon Odoms mark a significant step towards justice for the communities affected by their criminal activities. The successful collaboration between law enforcement agencies highlights their dedication to safeguarding public safety and holding those who break the law accountable for their actions.