Two Venezuelan nationals, Joel Alejandro Morantes Leal, 25, and Endis Daniel Gonzalez Ortega, 22, are accused of carrying out an ATM "jackpotting" scheme. They allegedly used malware to make selected ATMs dispense cash without valid transactions. The incidents happened in several Western states, including California, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
An indictment announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith covers thefts from April 1 to May 29, involving banks and credit unions in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Nebraska, Utah, and Washington. The group stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, including about $94,800 from a credit union in Merced County. Morantes is also charged with one count of bank robbery, one count of accessing a protected computer to commit fraud, and three counts of attempted access. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Arelis M. Clemente are handling the prosecution, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Morantes and Gonzalez could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of conspiracy. Morantes could face up to 10 years in prison and the same fine if convicted of bank robbery. Each tech-related charge could add another five years and $250,000. Sentences will depend on the court and federal guidelines. Both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
