A Florida man who admitted he would rather rob a bank than work for his brother has been sentenced to nearly a year in jail after stealing an excavator and using it in an unsuccessful attempt to remove an ATM from a bank.
Man Sentenced for Excavator-Fueled ATM Theft Attempt
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 11 months in jail followed by three years of probation after attempting to steal an ATM using a stolen excavator.
The unusual crime took place in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and quickly caught the attention of local authorities due to both its bold nature and its location. The targeted bank was situated right next to the police department.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to DeFuniak Springs Police, an officer noticed suspicious activity on April 16, 2025. The officer observed someone operating an excavator while attempting to remove an ATM from a nearby bank.
When police tried to approach the suspect, he fled the scene before officers could make contact.
The failed theft attempt caused damage and triggered an immediate investigation by law enforcement.
Security Footage Helped Identify the Suspect
After reviewing surveillance footage, investigators identified the suspect as Christopher Hughes, 43.
During questioning, Hughes reportedly admitted that he had stolen the excavator and planned to use it to take the ATM from the bank.
His statement to investigators quickly became one of the most talked-about details of the case.
According to police, Hughes told investigators:
“I would rather rob a bank than work for my brother.”
The comment was later included in reports related to the investigation.
Charges Filed Against Hughes
Following the investigation, Hughes was arrested and formally charged on April 22, 2025.
The charges included:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand Theft of Construction Equipment | Stealing the excavator used in the crime |
| Criminal Mischief | Causing damage during the attempted theft |
| Burglary of Structure With Property Damage | Attempting to steal property while damaging the structure |
Prosecutors moved forward with the case based on surveillance footage, witness accounts, and Hughes’ own admissions.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Hughes later entered a no-contest plea to the charges. A no-contest plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but also does not dispute the charges.
On June 2, 2025, the court sentenced him to:
- 11 months in jail
- Three years of probation after release
The sentence officially closed the criminal case, though Hughes will remain under court supervision after completing his jail term.
A Crime Next Door to the Police Department
One of the most unusual aspects of the case was the location of the attempted theft.
The bank targeted by Hughes was located directly beside the DeFuniak Springs Police Department. This meant officers were able to notice the suspicious activity almost immediately.
Investigators say the quick police response likely prevented the ATM from being removed and may have stopped further damage from occurring.
