Two Texas men sentenced to federal prison after forcing ATM technicians to hand over cash in Indianapolis robberies
Indianapolis, Indiana – Two men from Houston have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in two violent ATM robberies in Indianapolis that targeted bank technicians and resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen. Federal officials announced that R’Vonte Berryman, 28, received a seven-year prison sentence, while Cregarius Jackson, 37, was sentenced to five and a half years.
Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery, bank robbery, and aiding and abetting. In addition to their prison terms, they were ordered to pay $407,339 in restitution.
Early Morning Robberies Target ATM Technicians
According to court documents, Berryman and Jackson traveled from Houston to Indianapolis in 2022 to carry out a series of ATM robberies. Their method involved disabling machines to trigger service calls, then forcing technicians to open the ATMs and surrender cash.
The first robbery occurred in the early morning hours of June 9, 2022. At approximately 3:41 a.m., Jackson jammed a freestanding ATM at a PNC Bank branch located at 21 West 38th Street. The malfunction prompted a technician to respond to the scene. When the technician arrived, Berryman and another accomplice forced him to open the machine, resulting in the theft of $107,339.
Two months later, on Aug. 9, 2022, the pair used the same tactic at a Bank of America ATM located at 8551 River Road. After disabling the machine and waiting for a service technician, they again forced the employee to surrender cash — this time stealing $300,000.
Federal authorities said the crimes involved intimidation and coercion, placing innocent workers in fear for their safety.
Federal Officials Condemn Violent Scheme
Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, emphasized the impact of the crimes.
“These defendants traveled hundreds of miles across the country to prey on financial services that everyday Hoosiers rely on,” Wheeler said. “These violent schemes drive up costs, disrupt access to financial services, and put innocent people in danger. This sentence makes clear that exploiting our banking system and endangering the people who keep it running will carry serious consequences.”
Timothy J. O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office, said the crimes caused emotional harm as well as financial loss.
“These men chose to use fear and force to steal. By coercing employees to open ATMs, they put innocent workers in fear for their safety and traumatized them,” O’Malley said. “The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who threaten public safety.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The sentences were imposed by Sarah Evans Barker, U.S. District Court Judge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath prosecuted the case.
Part of Broader Violent Crime Reduction Effort
Officials said the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative that brings together law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and improve public safety. The program emphasizes building trust, supporting community-based prevention efforts, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Authorities noted that the defendants’ actions not only caused financial losses but also disrupted access to banking services and endangered workers performing routine maintenance duties. The sentences, officials said, reinforce that violent crimes targeting financial institutions and their employees will be met with strong federal prosecution.
By holding those responsible accountable, federal officials hope to deter similar crimes and protect the people and services communities depend on every day.
