Charges Filed Against ATM Suspects

(Desloge, MO) The four suspects in the theft of an ATM at the Belgrade State Bank in Desloge are facing charges of Felony Stealing over $25,000, Felony Property Damage, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. The four are identified as 30 year old female Katryn Barrett Nekkella, 31 year old Tavarius Washington, 30 year old Jermaine Phillips, and 32 year old Walter Dallas. A press release from the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department indicates a joint operation, involving several departments, helped capture the individuals. Shortly after 3:00 a.m. Tuesday morning the suspects gained access to the ATM using a stolen pick up truck. The suspects removed the cash boxes from the machine and fled the scene, abandoning the pick up about a block away. The suspects then left the area in an automobile, traveling northbound on US 67. The car was stopped by Bonne Terre Police and, after a short standoff, the four were arrested. The stolen money from the ATM was recovered from the automobile. Sheriff Dan Bullock says he's grateful for the quick work of everyone involved in capturing these dangerous suspects.

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