Abdurrahim Jalal has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for detonating an explosive at a Bank of America ATM in Decatur, Georgia, and possessing illegal explosive devices. The incident occurred on March 29, 2023, when Jalal used explosives to steal about $90,000 from the ATM at the North DeKalb Mall. Authorities later discovered eight assembled or nearly completed pipe bombs during a search of his home.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “Jalal used deadly explosives to steal tens of thousands of dollars and then shamelessly gambled with the loot at a casino. Although Jalal refused to wager his own money at the gaming tables, he will now pay the price for his crimes.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented, “Abdurrahim Jalal chose greed over the safety of our community when he used an explosive to steal money. Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure criminals like Jalal are held accountable.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka added, “The successful prosecution of Abdurrahim Jalal is a testament to our unwavering commitment to public safety. We will not tolerate the use of explosives in criminal activity, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our communities are brought to justice said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.”
After taking cash from the ATM vault, Jalal traveled to a North Carolina casino where he engaged in several days of gambling using stolen funds. Investigators tracked him down through their joint efforts.
On September 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown sentenced Jalal, age 55 and a resident of Decatur, Georgia, following his conviction for bank theft, use of an explosive device during a felony offense, arson, and two counts related to possession of unregistered destructive devices after a bench trial held on June 25.
The case was investigated by federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with local authorities such as the DeKalb County Police Department and Fire Rescue services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.
Further information can be obtained from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
