TUMWATER, Wash. - A local welder who tried to use a blowtorch to break into a credit union and steal from an ATM has been sentenced to more than five years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 34-year-old Randall Taufete’e was sentenced to 66 months in prison for trying to torch into the O Bee Credit Union in Tumwater and steal funds from the ATM. Taufete’e's co-conspirator, Brandon Collado, pleaded guilty of his role in the arson in June 2023, and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, the U.S. Attorney said.
Oxyacetylene Torch Used
According to the statement, Taufete’e and Collado used an oxyacetylene torch to try and break into the credit union on Oct. 24, 2022 by attempting to pry open the ATM, the night deposit box and the teller window. They were unable to get into the building, but their torch filled it with smoke and caused $198,018 in damage, the U.S. Attorney said.
Firefighters were called to the fire alarm shortly after, and after putting it out, quickly determined it was arson.
Restitution Also Ordered
Taufete’e was arrested just days later for being a felon in possession of a firearm, before detectives identified him as the masked suspect captured on surveillance video using the blowtorch. Taufete’e and Collado are required to pay $198,018 in restitution.