COLUMBIA, S.C. — A sophisticated international cyber-theft scheme that targeted local banks in Rock Hill has come to an end with the federal conviction and pending deportation of two Venezuelan nationals.
Luz Granados, 34, and Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez, 40, were convicted of conspiracy and computer crimes after targeting older ATM models across the Southeast. The investigation, which relied heavily on the Rock Hill Police Department, revealed a high-tech “jackpotting” method that allowed the duo to drain machines of their entire cash reserves.
The Rock Hill Connection
While the pair targeted banks across Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, their operations hit close to home with targeted attacks in Rock Hill and Columbia.
Local investigators with the Rock Hill Police Department worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to track the suspects. Their collaboration was vital in uncovering how the duo operated: approaching ATMs at night, removing the outer casings, and connecting laptops to install malware that overrode security protocols.
Unlike traditional skimming, which steals customer data, this “jackpotting” method forced the machines to dispense the bank’s own funds until they were empty.
Sentencing and Deportation
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis handed down the following sentences:
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Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez: Sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $285,100 in restitution.
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Luz Granados: Sentenced to time served and ordered to pay $126,340 in restitution.
Both individuals are “illegal aliens” residing in the U.S. and will be deported—Granados is currently awaiting removal, while Gonzalez-Jimenez will be deported upon the completion of his prison term.
National Impact
The work done by South Carolina law enforcement—including the specific evidence gathered from the Rock Hill cases—proved to be a cornerstone for national security. Information from this investigation aided the District of Nebraska in a massive crackdown that led to the indictment of 54 other individuals involved in similar schemes.
“Tren de Aragua uses ATM jackpotting crimes committed all across America to fund its terrorist organization which is responsible for horrific crimes such as human trafficking (to include sex trafficking of children in Nebraska), kidnapping, murder and other unspeakably evil and violent acts,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska will fight TdA directly by taking every action at our disposal to shut down their financial pipeline and handicap their ability to terrorize American communities.”
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