Florida man sentenced in theft of over $100,000 from ATM

FLORIDA – A Florida man has been sentenced for his part in breaking into an automated teller machine (ATM) using a stolen truck, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO).

Carlos Tawan Reed, Jr., 23, of Orlando, has been sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison by United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. for bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of the ATM machine, the USAO said. Reed pleaded guilty on November 28, 2022.

According to court documents, Reed helped two other individuals wrap a chain around an ATM at a Chase Bank on Colonial Drive in Orlando. Reportedly using a stolen F-250 truck, the men destroyed the casing of the ATM and stole the cash boxes inside containing $116,650.

The three individuals fled in a Mercedes rental car driven reportedly by Reed.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies pursued the men on the ground and in the air. Reed allegedly failed to stop and led police on a high-speed chase, which ended when deputies deployed spike strips and disabled the car. All three men reportedly attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.

Deputies said they found all the stolen money in the vehicle.

The USAO said two other accomplices, Deontrae Walden, and Wendell Harp, have both entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Walden admitted his role in five such burglaries in the area, the USAO said.

According to the USAO, a fourth individual, Aqunis Green, was arraigned and has pleaded not guilty. Green is serving a 46-month federal sentence for similar conduct in the Eastern District of Texas. He now faces a maximum term of 20 years on this indictment in the Middle District of Florida.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.