Two Arrested In ATM Jackpotting Attempt (Photo) -07/29/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 29, 2025
Two arrested in ATM jackpotting attempt
Salem, Ore. — Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested two men this afternoon for their involvement in the breaching an automated teller machine (ATM).
Just before 3:00 a.m. this morning, Umpqua Bank security personnel reported two men tampering with an ATM at 550 Center ST NE. The surveillance recording showed the suspects used a key to access the inside of the machine and then took photographs of the internal components. The suspects then left the scene.
Approximately 30 minutes later, officers apprehended the suspects, Brandon Lee Ramirez, age 26 of California, and Jhonathan Vargas-Yanten, age 31 of Washington, who had returned to the bank. Inside the suspect vehicle, officers recovered a functional ATM key, several smart phones, computer devices and adapters, tools, and license plates.
Ramirez and Vargas-Yanten were arrested, each on the following charges:
- Aggravated theft, first-degree (attempted)
- Criminal mischief, third-degree
- Computer crime (attempted)
- Possession of a burglary tool or theft device
Both suspects are in custody at the Marion County Jail and await arraignment at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
The investigation is ongoing, and all inquiries into the case must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Portland Office for lending their expertise to this jackpotting investigation. Jackpotting is a term for the unlawful installation of malware to bypass the authorized transaction process, prompting the ATM to dispense money on command. Although jackpotting does not directly affect consumer accounts, banks are the primary victims in this scheme.
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