ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Two Illinois men were charged in connection with ATM thefts in St. Louis County in late 2023.
According to a press release from the St. Louis County Police Department and online court documents, 53-year-old Ronald Blake and 34-year-old Aveon Jones were each issued summonses on counts of stealing from an ATM and property damage.
The two ATMs across the street from each other on Bellefontaine Road were broken into two weeks apart, police said.
The first break-in happened on Nov. 30, when $32,675 was stolen from the ATM at 12115 Bellefontaine Road. On Dec. 12, $57,685 were stolen from an ATM at 12127 Bellefontaine Road.
Many people had plenty to say about the bold crimes police say two Metro East men committed months ago.
"I can't hardly believe it," said neighbor Marsha Bassett.
"All I can say is everything is bound to happen in this crazy world," said neighbor Eddie Watson.
Police said similar tools were used to break open both machines and a suspect vehicle was identified from both thefts. Police said they then identified Blake and Jones from security video.
"That's a lot of money. Man, that just shows you how skillful they are because usually they just pull the whole thing straight from the front," said another driver who uses those ATMs often.
While serving a search warrant at Jones' home, Blake arrived at the home and talked with police officers. He confirmed that he was one of the people seen in the security video and was taken into custody.
Police later located Jones, who did not admit to being involved in the thefts.
Both men were charged with two counts of stealing from an ATM and property damage. All of the counts are class-C felonies. Blake and Jones are not in custody, and a judge issued summonses for each man. Blake was ordered to appear in court on July 10 and Jones was ordered to appear on July 18.
"I think it's going to be a case of catch me when you can," added Bassett.
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