The Department of Justice announced that Diego Ananias Arellano Diaz, also known as Fabio Cristian Hernandez, has been charged in connection with a series of ATM robberies and bank thefts. The incidents occurred across California, Oregon, and Washington, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Arellano, first identified as “John Doe 2,” was arrested on Tuesday, in connection with a conspiracy that took place from May to October 2024. A grand jury indicted 11 defendants on Oct. 31, 2024, for bank robbery and conspiracy to commit bank robbery. Court documents state the group rented short-term vacation homes near targets, used black market rental cars, disguised themselves as construction workers, and used tools such as blowtorches and cellphone jammers to break into ATMs, stealing more than $4 million from over 29 financial institutions, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Arellano, currently in state custody, has been identified by the San Ramon Police Department as a suspect in an ATM bombing and burglary at a San Ramon Target on July 20. He also faces assault charges in Los Angeles under another alias. The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After state proceedings, Arellano is scheduled for a federal court appearance, where he faces up to 20 years in prison for bank robbery and an additional five years for conspiracy if convicted, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
