Kaden Herman, ATM Embezzlement, KS 2024

A 19-year-old bank employee in Great Bend, Kan., has admitted to stealing more than $73,600 from his employer, Landmark National Bank, by breaking into an ATM during his shift. Kaden Herman, once trusted with access to bank systems, now faces federal prison after pleading guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee.

Herman, of Great Bend, Kan., worked at the bank in May 2016 when he used his access to obtain a key and code for the ATM located at the branch on 1623 Main Street. Instead of securing the machine, he exploited his position, opening the vault and siphoning off more than $73,600 in cash over the course of the crime.

When confronted by investigators, Herman denied any involvement. But his lies unraveled fast. Witnesses confirmed they saw him bringing the bank key in for duplication — a critical slip that tied him directly to the theft. Surveillance logs and employee access records further sealed his downfall.

Federal agents executed a search warrant at Herman’s home, where they recovered the stolen money. The cash, evidence of a brazen betrayal of trust, gave prosecutors the smoking gun they needed. There was no alibi, no dispute — just the cold facts of a crime committed from the inside.

Herman pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Kansas City, Kan. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27. Under the plea agreement, the government has agreed to recommend three years of supervised release — but prison time remains on the table.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said the swift resolution sends a message: betraying public trust for personal gain carries consequences. He credited the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their relentless work in exposing the theft and holding Kaden Herman accountable.