Columbia, MO – A 21-year-old Colorado resident has been arrested in Columbia for allegedly stealing upwards of $25,000 from an ATM in Missouri in connection with a larger criminal operation targeting ATMs nationwide. The arrest underscores growing concerns about coordinated ATM theft rings across the country.
Carlos Eduardo Hernandez-Moreno, from Brighton, Colorado, was taken into custody Sunday night after Columbia police responded to an ATM alarm at the Missouri Credit Union on Buttonwood Drive. Authorities found significant cash amounts and various computer devices in his vehicle, believed to be used in the crime.
The Arrest and Investigation Details
Officers arrived around 11 p.m. Sunday after an alarm was triggered on the ATM. Hernandez-Moreno was detained in the drive-thru lane with evidence including:
- Large sums of cash, including $5,000 protruding from the ATM
- Running laptops and other computer equipment
- Additional seized cash totaling $25,000
According to Missouri Credit Union officials, the ATM is not programmed to dispense such large amounts of cash, suggesting a forced tampering or exploitation. Hernandez-Moreno told investigators he made three separate withdrawals aiming to withdraw $20,000 to send back to his home country. He claimed to have saved this money through working in the U.S. for two years.
Links to a Larger Criminal Network
The probable cause statement revealed that similar ATM thefts have recently taken place in other Missouri cities, involving at least two other suspects. Authorities believe Hernandez-Moreno was collaborating with accomplices to break into and steal from multiple ATMs.
Hernandez-Moreno currently faces two felony charges:
- First-degree property damage on an ATM
- Stealing $25,000 or more
He remains held without bond at the Boone County Jail and is subject to an immigration detainer.
Community Alert and Police Appeal
Columbia police have asked the public for any information related to this case. Residents who may have witnessed suspicious ATM activity are encouraged to contact the department at 573-874-7652.
“This arrest highlights the continuing threat posed by organized ATM theft rings. We urge citizens to stay vigilant and report any unusual activity,” said a spokesperson for the Columbia Police Department.
What Can We Learn From This Incident?
- ATM thefts are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often involve multiple suspects working nationally.
- Financial institutions need to constantly update security measures to prevent such incidents.
- Public vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities remain crucial in supporting law enforcement efforts.