ATM Theft in Desloge Update

(Desloge, MO) Authorities are still investigating the theft of an ATM from the Desloge location of Belgrade State Bank. A press release from the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department indicates through a joint operation involving the St. Francois Sheriff, Desloge Police, Bonne Terre Police, Texas DPS and FBI St Louis Division, four individuals from Houston, Texas, three men and a woman, were taken into custody for Felony Theft. Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the suspects gained access to an Automated Teller Machine located at Belgrade State Bank in Desloge, utilizing a stolen pick up truck. The suspects removed the cash boxes from the ATM and fled the scene, abandoning the pick up about a block away. The suspects then left the area in a white Nissan Altima. The Nissan was located traveling northbound on US 67. It was stopped by Bonne Terre Officers. After a short standoff, the suspects were arrested without incident. The stolen cash from the ATM was recovered from the Nissan. Sheriff Dan Bullock says he's grateful for the quick work of everyone involved in capturing these suspects.

The four individuals are believed to be members of an organized criminal enterprise operating out of Houston, Texas and responsible for similar ATM thefts, nationwide. All suspects are being held at the St. Francois County Adult Detention Center in Farmington without bond. Formal charges are expected soon.