LAKEVILLE, Minn. — The ATM at Lakeview Bank in Lakeville is currently out of service after police say it was 'jackpotted' on Oct 6.
'Jackpotting' is a scheme where someone is able to hack the ATM through various techniques, and then dispense cash until the ATM is empty. In this case, police say the suspects stole $14,400.
According to Dakota County court documents, two Florida men, Robert R. Rosales Rivero and Geniver Antonio Pinuela Testa were charged last week in connection with the theft. They face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Five days after the incident, Minnesota State Patrol was able to locate and arrest the men at a Shakopee hotel. According to court documents, when officers arrested them, they found a small handheld device that had a screen and pushbutton features, matching the one caught on surveillance video during the incident. Officers also found clothing that allegedly matched what the suspects were wearing during the incident, and seven thousand dollars in cash in their hotel room.
According to court documents, surveillance video showed three male suspects at the ATM at various points during the day on Oct 6. All three rode up to the ATM on electric scooters. Police found an electric scooter in the suspects vehicle when they arrested them.
In an alert sent out this summer, the Secret Service said they have seen an increase in these jackpotting attempts in several states this year. The suspects next court appearance is Oct 30.