Sheriff’s investigators arrest suspect in multiple ATM thefts

Orange County Sheriff’s Department

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Investigators Arrest Suspect in Multiple ATM Thefts

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – (June 10, 2014) – On Sunday, July 8, 2014, Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested Daniel Eamon Sweeny, 40, Tustin, in connection with numerous ATM thefts. Sweeny is suspected of having stolen as many as 24 ATM machines across Orange County over the course of the last year.

In February 2014, Sweeny is suspected of stealing an ATM machine from inside a Laguna Niguel business. During the preliminary investigation, a suspect vehicle description was obtained resulting in a patrol deputy making a traffic stop which led to a short pursuit. The suspect driver fled the vehicle on foot, eluding capture by deputies. A subsequent investigation resulted in forensic evidence linking Sweeny to the vehicle.

Over the last several weeks, Sweeny was observed by investigators driving around in the early morning hours appearing to be casing commercial buildings as targets for possible thefts. On June 8, 2014, Sweeny was observed driving a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Mission Viejo area. Sweeny was stopped in the vehicle and taken into custody for possession of stolen property.

Investigators executed search warrants subsequent to Sweeny’s arrest resulting in additional evidence.

Sweeny was booked into Orange County Jail for possession of stolen property and is being held on $500,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court today, June 10, 2014.

The investigation is ongoing as investigators continue to evaluate evidence and prepare to present the ATM theft case to the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with additional information that may assist in the investigation is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org

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Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org

Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

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