Venezuelan Nationals Tren de Aragua Gang Members Nabbed by Local Law Enforcement in an ATM Burglary Ring
Aiverson Pinango-Paez, 25 years of age, Address: Cicero Ave. Chicago, IL arrested on 9/12/2025 @ 11:16 a.m.
Charges: Theft $5000-$25,000
Simple Burglary
Misrepresentation During Booking
Abraham Hernandez-Monges, 31 years of age, Address: Chicago, IL arrested on 9/12/2025 @ 11:16 a.m.
Charges: Theft $5000-$25,000
Simple Burglary
Misrepresentation During Booking
On September 10, 2025, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office (SMPSO) received a complaint of a burglary of an ATM machine at a local bank in Amelia. Detectives opened an investigation at that time.
During the investigation, a Morgan City Police Department (MCPD) detective, assisting an SMPSO detective, received a complaint regarding a similar ATM burglary in Morgan City. MCPD detectives determined that unknown suspects attempted to gain entry into the ATM but were unsuccessful. Video surveillance revealed a gold-colored sedan with covered license plates, identified as a suspect vehicle.
On September 11, 2025, the Berwick Police Department (BPD) received a complaint of a burglary of an ATM in Berwick. Detectives from BPD, MCPD, and SMPSO began sharing information on the related incidents. MCPD detectives were able to identify the vehicle and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) statewide.
In the early morning hours of September 12, an MCPD patrol officer observed the suspect vehicle traveling west on U.S. Highway 90. Officers coordinated with SMPSO to conduct a traffic stop. The occupants, identified as Venezuelan nationals, were detained and transported to MCPD for further investigation.
A search warrant executed on the vehicle led to the discovery of a large amount of cash and burglary tools consistent with ATM-style burglaries. With the assistance of a SMPSO translator, investigators secured a confession linking the suspects to the local ATM burglaries. Detectives also developed additional suspects and vehicles involved.
As the investigation expanded, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office (LPSO) was alerted to suspect and vehicle descriptions. LPSO deputies located the suspects and took them into custody. A SMPSO detective, assisted by an MCPD detective and an MCPD interpreter, obtained a confession from one of the suspects. Both suspects were arrested in Lafayette Parish and later transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
On September 16, 2025, SMPSO detectives, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), located and seized a large amount of stolen cash in Lafayette.
Investigators believe the suspects are connected to the Venezuelan multinational gang known as Tren de Aragua and are involved in a method of ATM theft commonly referred to as "jackpotting." This investigation remains active and ongoing, involving multiple local, state, and federal agencies across the United States.
Sheriff Gary Driskell, MCPD Chief Chad M. Adams, and BPD Chief David Leonard would like to thank the U.S. Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Louisiana State Police for their assistance in this investigation.
The collaborative efforts of detectives, patrol officers, and supporting agencies prevented further criminal activity. This case highlights that interagency cooperation is essential and consistently leads to stronger protection and safety for the community.
Lt. Rick Hartley Lt. David Spencer
Investigations Public Information Officer (PIO)
Public Information Officer (PIO) St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Department
Morgan City Police Department
