A “creative” crime gone horribly wrong
A man in Atlanta, Georgia, who thought he had discovered a “quick way to get rich” by kicking ATMs open, now faces a 10-year prison sentence after a series of brazen thefts that left banks and authorities stunned.
The 28-year-old, DeMarcus Hill, made headlines after security footage showed him repeatedly targeting ATMs in the Atlanta metro area, using a single, powerful kick to trigger the machines’ cash dispensers.
“It looked ridiculous at first,” said bank security officer Angela Moreno. “But then we realized — he was actually stealing money. People laughed at first, but it was no joke for the banks and for law enforcement.”
The crime spree
Over the course of six months, Hill targeted more than a dozen ATMs, netting approximately $45,000 in cash. While the method was unorthodox, it drew intense attention from police who struggled to anticipate where he would strike next.
“He became known as the ‘ATM kicker,’” said Officer Troy Simmons. “It was creative, but it’s still theft — and it put people at risk.”
Hill was finally caught after a high-speed chase following an attempted ATM theft at a suburban convenience store. Police say he tried to flee in a stolen SUV but was quickly apprehended.
The trial and sentence
At his trial, Hill claimed he was “just trying to get by” and insisted he never intended to harm anyone.
“I wasn’t hurting anyone. I just needed some cash,” Hill said in court, according to transcripts.
The judge, however, disagreed, emphasizing that his actions endangered bank employees, customers, and law enforcement officers.
“Your reckless pursuit of ‘easy money’ shows a blatant disregard for the law and for human life,” said Judge Melissa Carter. “Ten years in prison is the minimum required to reflect the severity of your crimes.”
Public reaction
The unusual nature of Hill’s crimes made him a viral sensation online, with some social media users joking about “ATM kicks as a new hustle.” Others, however, condemned his actions:
“This is not clever — this is dangerous,” one user commented.
“Hope he thinks twice before trying any new ways to get rich in prison,” wrote another.
A cautionary tale
Hill’s defense attorney said the case highlights the need for youth outreach and crime prevention programs, particularly for individuals who view “quick money” schemes as a solution to financial struggles.
For now, Hill will spend a decade behind bars, giving authorities hope that Atlanta’s ATMs — and the communities around them — will be safe from any more “creative” criminals.
“Sometimes thinking outside the box has consequences,” Officer Simmons said. “This is one example people won’t forget.”
