Authorities have apprehended three individuals connected to the recent discovery of a skimming device at an ATM in Farmers National Bank, Geneseo. On January 18, 2025, staff at the Farmers National Bank on Rouse 6 in Geneseo discovered a skimming device on the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Officers used surveillance footage to obtain photographs of the suspects and the vehicle. Deputy Chief Gene Karzin said the FLOCK camera system provided crucial help in tracking the suspect vehicle. Saturday night, the suspect vehicle was found abandoned in a parking lot on Bester Drive. Camera footage from nearby businesses showed three individuals getting into a second suspect vehicle and leaving the area.
The second vehicle was tracked down near Fredericktown, Missouri. The Geneseo Police coordinated with the Missouri State Patrol to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. One adult and two juveniles were taken into custody by the Missouri State Patrol and found in possession of skimming devices.
The arrests occurred in Fredericktown, Missouri, following a collaborative effort between local police and the Missouri Highway Patrol. Evidence suggests these suspects are involved in additional cases across various states, with more skimming devices seized during the arrest. The ongoing investigation may soon see federal agencies stepping in, highlighting the seriousness of this multi-state bank fraud scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is investigating the previous incidents in Geneseo in September of 2024, in Houston, Texas, and the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The Geneseo Police have requested assistance from the FBI regarding the incident on Saturday. Citizens are reminded to regularly monitor their bank statements and report any suspicious activities to their banks.
The preliminary investigation suggests the skimming device was placed on the ATM in Geneseo earlier in the day on Saturday. Deputy Chief Karzin said the diligence of Farmers National Bank staff appears to have prevented any customer information from being obtained by the suspects.