On December 18, 2024, three men were arrested in Florida after a traffic stop led authorities to uncover a crime operation involving ATM burglaries and drugs. Santa Rosa County deputies stopped a 2024 Nissan Altima for a window tint violation on Highway 90.
Inside the car were Andrew Bishop (18), Dylon Thomas (20), and Brad Fokam (19). The deputies quickly realized the men were involved in a series of ATM thefts across the southeastern U.S.
Investigators linked the group to a larger crime operation based in Houston, Texas, through cooperation between law enforcement agencies across multiple states. The group was connected to robberies in Mississippi, Alabama, and Pensacola, with the most recent crime taking place in Pensacola on December 17.
The suspects used a trick to disable ATMs by placing glue-coated debit cards in the slots. When a repair technician came to fix the machine, the suspects would rob them of the cash inside. A search of the suspects’ car uncovered a large quantity of fentanyl powder, 24 bags of synthetic cannabinoids (Spice), marijuana, and tools used in the ATM crimes.
Deputies also found gloves and a “Looney Tunes” hoodie that matched clothing seen at an ATM theft in Mississippi. The suspects didn’t change their clothes, which helped investigators link them to the crimes.
The three men now face multiple charges, including trafficking fentanyl, possessing synthetic drugs, and providing false identification. Fokam and Thomas initially gave false names and birthdates in an attempt to escape capture.
Sheriff Bob Johnson praised the deputies for their quick actions and warned criminals not to operate in Santa Rosa County. He also urged residents to report anything suspicious, advising them to contact authorities if they find a card glued into an ATM slot.
The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement works to track down other members of the Houston-based crime group.