Dallas Man Sentenced to 17 Years in ATM Smash-and-Grab Case

Joseph Turner, a Dallas, Texas man, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison on Thursday for his role in a string of ATM smash-and-grabs. Turner pled guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, a federal crime that prohibits robbery or attempted robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce. The sentence and plea were tied to his involvement in a crime spree that ran from May 16 to June 1, 2023.

Overview

Investigators say Turner was the leader and organizer of a group involved in the crime spree. The spree lasted from May 16 to June 1, 2023. The incidents involved smashing store glass with a sledgehammer and removing an ATM using a stolen truck or SUV.

After removing the ATM, the suspects loaded it into the vehicle and fled the scene. The investigation indicates the group used the stolen vehicle to drag the ATM from the store. The sequence of events described spans the May 16, 2023 to June 1, 2023 window.

Investigation and Authorities

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the case was investigated by the FBI Frisco office. The investigation also involved the Plano, Irving, Dallas, Mesquite, Carrollton, and Grapevine Police Departments. This collaboration supported the federal case against Turner.

Turner received 17 years in federal prison as a result of his guilty plea. The Hobbs Act robbery charge is a federal crime prohibiting robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce. The U.S. Attorney's Office released details of the plea and sentence.

Officials note the defendant is from Dallas, Texas. The case involved multiple law enforcement agencies in the Dallas area. This report reflects statements from the U.S. Attorney's Office.