Reno federal authorities announced indictments this week against two men accused of carrying out an ATM "jackpotting" scheme that investigators say resulted in roughly $76,000 taken from machines in the Reno–Sparks area.
Allegations and legal steps
A federal grand jury returned one-count indictments charging Kleiber Jovanny Garcia Rojas and Yeiker Andres Diaz-Calatayud — also known as "Jose Soto" — with bank theft. According to court filings, on June 3 the men allegedly attached a digital device to an ATM at a federal credit union in northern Nevada that allowed them to bypass the machine's security features and withdraw cash without authorization.
Both defendants made their initial appearances in federal court and were ordered detained pending further proceedings. A jury trial is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2026. If convicted, each faces a maximum statutory term of 10 years in prison; any actual sentence will be set by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
“As alleged, the defendants hacked into an ATM in northern Nevada and stole approximately $76,000 in cash through a scheme known as ATM jackpotting,”
The quote above came from First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. The FBI's Las Vegas Field Office also highlighted the risk such schemes pose to businesses, customers and bystanders.
Investigation and local partners
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Reno Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the probe reflects continuing efforts to adapt to changing criminal methods that target financial institutions.
- Alleged method: attaching a digital device to an ATM to bypass security
- Amount taken: approximately $76,000
- Next court date: jury trial beginning Sept. 15, 2026
The indictment signals a federal response to a kind of theft that has been reported in other regions as criminals shift to more technical methods. For local residents and businesses, the case underscores the importance of vigilance around ATMs and the role of coordination between federal and local law enforcement in responding to new forms of theft.
| Defendant | Charge | Alleged amount taken | Potential maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kleiber Jovanny Garcia Rojas | Bank theft (one count) | $76,000 (approx.) | 10 years' imprisonment |
| Yeiker Andres Diaz-Calatayud (aka Jose Soto) | Bank theft (one count) | $76,000 (approx.) | 10 years' imprisonment |
Residents who use ATMs are reminded to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The case will continue through the federal court process, where prosecutors will present evidence and the defendants may mount a defense prior to any conviction.
