On December 18, 2024, Santa Rosa County deputies made three arrests in Florida following a routine traffic stop. This led to the discovery of a sophisticated multi-state ATM burglary operation and the confiscation of a significant amount of drugs and paraphernalia.
The arrests took place after deputies pulled over a 2024 Nissan Altima on Highway 90 due to a violation of window tint. Andrew Bishop, 18, Dylon Thomas, 20, and Brad Fokam, 19, were found inside the vehicle. Authorities swiftly determined that the three individuals were connected to a series of ATM burglaries in the southeastern United States.
Through collaboration between multiple state agencies, investigators were able to establish a connection between the suspects and a larger organized crime group based in Houston, Texas.
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The suspects demonstrated a calculated and dangerous method while robbing ATMs, with their criminal activities spanning across Mississippi, Alabama, and Pensacola. The most recent attempt took place in Pensacola on December 17.
During the search of the suspects’ vehicle, law enforcement officers made a substantial discovery. They found a significant amount of evidence, including a trafficking quantity of fentanyl powder, 24 baggies of synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as Spice), marijuana, and various tools that are commonly used in ATM burglaries.
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During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered various items that were linked to the ATM burglary in Mississippi. Among the recovered items were a pair of gloves and a hoodie featuring the iconic “Looney Tunes” characters. What stood out was that the suspects did not bother changing their clothes while they were on the run. This lack of action on their part played a key role in connecting them to the crimes they had committed.
The three suspects are facing a range of charges, which include trafficking fentanyl, possessing synthetic drugs with the intention to sell, possessing a controlled substance, and providing false identification to law enforcement. In an effort to avoid being captured, both Fokam and Thomas initially provided deputies with false names and birthdates.
Sheriff Bob Johnson of Santa Rosa County praised his deputies for their swift action in apprehending the suspects and delivered a cautionary message to the public.
“Crime has no place in Santa Rosa County! We take a strong stance against it,” Johnson emphasized. He further encouraged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior. Johnson advised, “If you discover a card that has been glued into an ATM slot, leave the area immediately and notify the authorities.”
The arrests underscore the significance of collaboration between different agencies in the fight against organized crime. As the suspects continue to be held in custody, the investigation is still in progress as authorities strive to uncover additional members of the crime group based in Texas.
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