Federal prosecutors charged Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrz and Lestter Guerrero in a multi-state ATM "jackpotting" conspiracy across New England. The pair were arrested Feb. 5 in Augusta, Maine, and are accused of installing malware to force ATMs to dispense cash. Martinez Gutierrz is tied to multiple incidents in CT, MA, NH and RI; Guerrero is alleged to have joined one additional theft. If convicted, each faces up to five years in prison and fines.
Two Alleged Tren de Aragua Members Charged in Multi-State ATM 'Jackpotting' Scheme Across New England
Alleged Tren de Aragua criminal gang members charged in ATM robberies across New England
Federal prosecutors have charged two men they say are members of the Venezuelan-linked gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) in a multi-state ATM "jackpotting" conspiracy that targeted New England. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts identified the defendants as Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrz and Lestter Guerrero, both 29, each facing a charge of conspiracy to commit bank theft.
According to charging documents, authorities allege the suspects installed malware directly into ATM software so machines would dispense cash on command — a tactic commonly referred to as "ATM jackpotting." The defendants were arrested on Feb. 5 in Augusta, Maine, following an attempted jackpotting incident.
Alleged Incidents And Scope
Prosecutors say Martinez Gutierrz is linked to at least five other jackpotting incidents across New England, including reported thefts on Dec. 31 in Norwich, Connecticut; Jan. 20 in Braintree, Massachusetts; and Jan. 30 in Rochester, New Hampshire, as well as attempted robberies on Jan. 14 in Coventry, Rhode Island, and Jan. 19 in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Guerrero is alleged to have participated with Martinez Gutierrz in the Jan. 30 Rochester incident.
The two men were arrested on Feb. 5 in Augusta, Me., after an attempted ATM jackpotting robbery.(Getty Images)
Organization And Financial Flow
Court filings allege an ongoing federal investigation into a nationwide conspiracy coordinated by TdA members to steal funds from ATMs using malware and related tactics. Prosecutors contend that TdA has diversified its criminal revenue streams — including jackpotting operations that have netted millions — and that proceeds are typically laundered and redistributed among members and associates.
According to the filings, members involved in jackpotting operations are often instructed to split takings so that roughly 50% is sent to gang leadership in Venezuela and the remaining 50% is divided among those conducting the ground operations.
Potential Penalties
If convicted of conspiring to commit bank theft, each defendant faces a statutory maximum of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Note: Charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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