SHREVEPORT, La.–Another ATM was stolen from a credit union here, while in Iowa two men were sentenced for their roles in stealing the machines.
A thief or thieves have stolen an ATM from Shreveport FCU here, which is in the process of merging with Red River FCU.
As CUToday.info has reported, the theft is just the latest in numerous ATM thefts, attempted thefts, or attacks on ATMs around the country.
According to police, they were alerted by a silent alarm at 4:42 a.m. and when they arrived at the 8500 block of Fern Avenue they found the machine was missing.
According to KSLA, the machine has not been located nor have any of the perpetrators been identified.
The news outlet added that signage at the branch alerted members that Shreveport Federal ATM and debit cards are being terminated and that members are to begin using their Red River Federal ATM and debit cards.
Two Men Sentenced in Iowa
Meanwhile, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a man who in 2017 crashed stolen vehicles into convenience stores and credit unions to steal cash machines issued an apology as he was sentenced to prison.
John Fitzgerald Bennett, 48, apologized to both victims and family members for the embarrassment and stress he caused them, and he said the crimes came as his business began failing because of bad decisions and amid his return to drug use.
U.S. District Court Judge Leonard Strand sentenced Bennett to three years and 10 months in prison, which was at the top of federal sentencing guidelines. Bennett caused more than $200,000 worth of damages.
In addition, Bennett’s nephew, 26-year-old Cody Joe Laughlin, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison in connection with the ATM theft spree.
Both were ordered to pay a total of $217,477.33 in restitution.
Stolen Funds Found at Home
According to police, cash totaling $42,385 was found in a duffle bag at Bennett’s home during his arrest and will be applied to restitution. The court is withholding judgment on the disposition of $25,699.66 in cash that was seized from Laughlin’s parent’s home during the investigation. Authorities believe the money was removed from an ATM machine.
Police said Bennett and Laughlin used stolen trucks, vans and a forklift to break into the Texas Street Mart, Prime Mart on Marigold, B&B East on Bishop Avenue, Dupaco Community Credit Union and University of Iowa Community Credit Union.