Texarkana ATM Crew Lands in Federal Prison

Texarkana, TX – A 21-year-old man is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in a brazen series of ATM burglaries that rocked Bowie County earlier this year. Lamarcus Vontino Moore Jr. received an 18-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III on October 12th, along with a hefty bill: $257,789 in restitution and a $33,665 forfeiture order. The case, prosecuted by federal authorities, reveals a calculated scheme involving stolen trucks and brute force to rip open ATMs, leaving a trail of destruction and financial loss.

Moore wasn’t acting alone. The feds say he was part of a six-person crew who targeted Texar Federal Credit Union branches. On January 26, 2021, they hit the Gibson Lane location, making off with $127,654. Less than a week later, on February 2nd, they struck again at the W. 7th Street branch in Wake Village, netting approximately $10,513. The method was chillingly consistent: steal a pickup truck, chain it to the targeted ATM, and simply drive until the machine gave way. Each ATM sustained an estimated $60,000 in damage – a significant cost beyond the stolen cash.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between the FBI, Wake Village Police Department, Texarkana Police Department, and Queen City Police Department, quickly zeroed in on the group. While Moore received 18 months, he’s not the only one facing consequences. All six co-conspirators have already been sentenced, signaling a clear message from federal prosecutors that organized crime impacting financial institutions will be met with serious penalties. Details of the other sentences weren’t immediately available, but sources close to the investigation indicate they ranged from probation to several years in prison.

Federal prosecutors are leveraging the full weight of the law under 18 U.S.C. §371 – conspiracy to commit bank theft. This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, though Moore’s plea deal resulted in a lesser term. The restitution order reflects the total amount stolen, while the forfeiture covers assets directly linked to the criminal activity – likely cash or property obtained through the burglaries. Sentencing guidelines consider factors like the amount of loss, the defendant’s criminal history, and their acceptance of responsibility.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson led the prosecution, building a case based on evidence gathered from surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic analysis of the crime scenes. The FBI took the lead on the investigation, providing crucial resources and expertise in tracking down the perpetrators and linking them to the stolen vehicles and ATM damage. The agency’s involvement underscores the federal government’s commitment to protecting financial institutions and combating organized crime that crosses jurisdictional lines.

The brazen nature of these burglaries – using stolen trucks to physically rip ATMs from their foundations – raised concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of local businesses. While the financial impact is significant, the potential for collateral damage and escalating violence is what likely prompted the feds to prioritize this case. The successful prosecution of Moore and his accomplices sends a strong deterrent message to would-be criminals contemplating similar schemes in the region.

This case isn’t an isolated incident. The Eastern District of Texas has seen a surge in financial crimes, prompting increased scrutiny from federal authorities. Just last week, a ringleader in a counterfeit drug trafficking conspiracy received a 25-year sentence, demonstrating the feds’ unwavering focus on dismantling criminal organizations operating within the district. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas continues to actively investigate and prosecute a wide range of federal offenses, from drug trafficking to fraud and violent crime.

Anyone with information about criminal activity in the Eastern District of Texas is urged to contact the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas can be reached at [Phone Number] or through their website. Further details about ongoing investigations and prosecutions can be found on their official website.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice