Venezuelan nationals plead guilty in ATM thefts that included Macon

Federal prosecutors say malware was used to force ATMs to dispense cash across several states.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Federal prosecutors say at least one ATM in Macon were among those targeted by a multi-state “jackpotting” theft ring tied to a group of Venezuelan nationals now pleading guilty in federal court.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the investigation began after ATM thefts at Peoples South Bank locations in Macon, Americus and Albany between September 14-16, 2024. Prosecutors said more thefts and attempted thefts happened later across Georgia, Florida and Kentucky.

22-year-old Hector Alejandro Alvarado Alvarez, and 22-year-old Cesar Augusto Gil Sanchez, both of Venezuela, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and each face up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.

Prosecutors said three additional defendants have already been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. 20-year-old Javier Alejandro Suarez-Godoy of Venezuela was sentenced in September 2025 to time served. 24-year-old David Josfrangel Suarez-Sanchez of Venezuela was sentenced in September 2025 to 10 months in 26-year-old Giobriel Alexander Valera-Astudillo of Venezuela was sentenced in June 2025 to 10 months in prison.

Surveillance video showed members of the group participating in the crimes.

Prosecutors said $24,000 was stolen from Peoples South Bank ATMs in Macon, Americus and Albany. The thefts involved malware that took advantage of ATM vulnerabilities and caused machines to dispense cash.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the group later targeted additional ATMs in south Georgia, including Morven, Valdosta and Hahira, and that law enforcement agencies ultimately stopped the operation following arrests and traffic stops tied to the thefts.

All five defendants involved in the case are subject to deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after completing their prison sentences, according to prosecutors.

U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes said the investigation relied on coordination between the FBI and multiple local and state law enforcement agencies across Georgia.