A man who blew up an ATM in Georgia and then gambled away the stolen money has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, federal prosecutors said. Abdurrahim Jalal, 55, was convicted of bank theft, arson, use of an explosive to commit a felony, and possessing unregistered explosive devices. His string of charges followed an incident where he exploded a Bank of America ATM at North DeKalb Mall in Decatur, obtaining approximately $90,000.
"Jalal used deadly explosives to steal tens of thousands of dollars and then shamelessly gambled with the loot at a casino," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Hertzberg also stated that Jalal, which refused to gamble his own money at casino tables will now "pay the price for his crimes."
The case was brought to a conclusion thanks to collaborative efforts by the FBI, ATF, local police and fire departments. "Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure criminals like Jalal are held accountable," FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown told the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Jalal's conviction is part of ongoing efforts by federal agencies to crack down on the use of explosives in criminal activities, and underscores the severe repercussions one faces when public safety is endangered for personal gain.
Following the ATM explosion on March 29, 2023, authorities located eight nearly complete pipe bombs during a search of Jalal's home, leading to his arrest. On September 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown handed down the sentence of 14 years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper, which led the prosecution, stressed the commitment to public safety represented by Jalal's sentencing. "The successful prosecution of Abdurrahim Jalal is a testament to our unwavering commitment to public safety," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka to the U.S. Attorney's Office. "We will not tolerate the use of explosives in criminal activity, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our communities are brought to justice."
Jalal's sentence may serve as a deterrent to similar crimes in the future. It also highlights the diligent work of law enforcement in addressing and preventing acts of extreme theft and recklessness. For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office, or visit their website for updates on this and other cases.
