NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Six men who were allegedly part of a heist crew that targeted ATMs in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx were indicted for stealing 19 ATMs over the course of seven months, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Wednesday.
Most of the crew was arrested after a high-speed chase when confronted during a heist in Queens, according to officials.
Between June 2022 and Jan. 2023, the team used bolt cutters and other tools to break into bodegas and other stores before dislodging ATMs and hauling them away in a vehicle.
Members of the heist crew each had assigned roles, serving as getaway drivers, look outs and burglars, authorities said.
One alleged member of the crew, 44-year-old Angel Barbosa, was arrested on Nov. 1 for possession of two stolen ATMs after fleeing from cops. He was captured after crashing into an unmarked police car, injuring two officers.
The rest of the alleged conspirators were arrested on Jan. 18 when law enforcement confronted them during a burglary of a bodega in South Richmond Hill, Queens.
The group led officers on a high-speed chase, which ended when the driver crashed into a barrier at LaGuardia Airport.
Police believe the crew is responsible for 11 stolen ATMs in Brooklyn, seven in Queens and one in the Bronx.
The exact amount of money lost is unknown, but prosecutors said the largest score was worth over $60,000 from a single ATM in Ridgewood.
“With today’s indictment, we have dismantled a brazen and persistent alleged burglary ring that targeted small businesses throughout the city,” said Gonzalez. “Protecting businesses from break-ins and larceny is an important mission of my office and this case shows our commitment to spending the time and resources necessary to stop criminals from victimizing store owners.”
Along with Barbosa, Alex Torres, 50, Francisco Torres, 51, Jesus Cedeno, 52, Chris Moustakos, 52, and Luis Villanueva, 52, were all charged with burglary and related offenses.
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