2 Maryland men arrested for stealing dozens of ATMs in DMV area

MARYLAND, USA — After allegedly robbing at least 75 different ATMs across the DMV, causing an estimated loss of $8 million to businesses, two Maryland men were arrested by federal law enforcement on Tuesday.

The robberies happened between August 2023 and June 2024. Jonathan Winston of Hagerstown and Jeffrey Felder were the fourth and fifth suspects arrested who federal authorities believe were connected with this ring of thefts. 

The two men were arrested in Georgia by U.S. Marshals, according to a report from U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves. The FBI and MPD were also involved in the investigation. 

"Agents and officers recovered 12 firearms, more than $80,000 in cash, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and thousands of dollars worth of high-end clothing and merchandise," U.S. Attorney Graves said on Tuesday. "During the arrests of Felder and Winston on Oct. 15, 2024

The crew hatched an elaborate system for getting the ATM outside, according to the federal indictment. Some were tasked with waiting in the car, others with prying open the door and a few would, "subdue store employees." 

"They carried out multiple robberies over the course of a single evening and would often communicate with each other using handheld radios," law enforcement said on Tuesday. 

While the crew set up obstacles for law enforcement to gather evidence, authorities said they were eventually able to identify the suspects.

"They used 'Jaws of Life' and similar tools to peel open ATMs inside stores and outside banks," U.S. Attorney Graves said Tuesday. "Even though the defendants destroyed surveillance footage and took other steps to cover their tracks, our prosecutors and law enforcement officers worked tirelessly to identify the members of this crew who terrorized our region."  

ATM thefts continue to plague Maryland. Last month, a 16-passenger van smashed into a Montgomery County gas station convenience store and stole the station ATM.