Three men were arrested in Florida, on December 18, 2024, after a traffic stop led Santa Rosa County deputies to uncover a multi-state ATM burglary operation and seize a cache of drugs and paraphernalia.
The arrests occurred when deputies pulled over a 2024 Nissan Altima for a window tint violation on Highway 90. Inside the vehicle were Andrew Bishop, 18, Dylon Thomas, 20, and Brad Fokam, 19. Authorities quickly discovered the trio was linked to a string of ATM burglaries across the southeastern United States.
Investigators connected the suspects to a larger organized crime group operating out of Houston, Texas, through multi-state agency collaboration.
READ: Three Men Arrested After Altercation In Marathon: Monroe County Sheriff
The group was tied to crimes in Mississippi, Alabama, and Pensacola earlier in December, with the most recent attempt occurring in Pensacola on December 17. The suspects used a calculated and dangerous method to rob ATMs.
They would insert glue-coated debit cards into ATM slots to disable the machines. When a technician arrived to repair the machine, the suspects ambushed the technician, using threats or force to rob them of the cash inside.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed a significant amount of evidence. Deputies uncovered a trafficking quantity of fentanyl powder, 24 baggies of synthetic cannabinoids (Spice), marijuana, and tools used for ATM burglaries.
READ: Luigi Mangione To Face New York Arraignment In Cowardly Murder Of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Father Of 2
Among the items recovered were gloves and a “Looney Tunes” hoodie that matched evidence from an ATM burglary in Mississippi. Notably, the suspects failed to change their clothing while on the run, which helped law enforcement connect them to the crimes.
The three suspects face multiple charges, including trafficking fentanyl, possession of synthetic drugs with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and providing false identification to law enforcement. Both Fokam and Thomas initially provided deputies with false names and birthdates in an attempt to evade capture.
READ: Florida Man Who Murdered Roommate, Buried Him In His Yard, Gets 35 Years
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson commended his deputies for their quick work in stopping the suspects and issued a warning to others.
“Don’t bring your crime into or through this county! We don’t play in Santa Rosa County,” Johnson said. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, stating, “If you find a card glued into an ATM slot, leave immediately and contact authorities.”
The arrests highlight the importance of cross-agency collaboration in combating organized crime. While the suspects remain in custody, the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify other members of the Texas-based crime group.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.