News

Former Brinks employee charged with ATM theft

September 7, 2003

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- A former Brinks employee is accused of stealing more than $53,000 from an ATM he used to maintain, according to a report in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. 

However, authorities believe more cash may have been taken from other machines. At a Sept. 5 detention hearing, a federal magistrate found reason to believe Scott Kammerer, a resident of Aboite, Ind., might have had access to as much as $800,000 in cash which is missing from a number of ATMs.

The report, citing sources familiar with the investigation, said the total may top $1 million. Police have not found the missing money, the sources said.

Court documents said Kammerer came under suspicion after an Aug. 1 audit uncovered a shortage of $53,070 in a machine he serviced at a National City Bank in New Haven. An audit a week before showed no cash missing.

Brinks reported the shortage to police, and an investigation showed Kammerer was the only Brinks employee with access to the machine. Records indicated he had serviced the device on July 28, 29, 30 and 3; police found no indication of vandalism or forced entry.

Kammerer was fired July 31 for what the company told police was a poor attendance record. He was scheduled to meet with Brinks representatives Aug. 6 to discuss the audit, but did not show up.

The complaint against Kammerer was filed the next day, but remained sealed until last week. Court records indicated he went to California after being fired, then returned to Fort Wayne after an arrest warrant was issued.

A spokeswoman for Brinks declined to comment on the case, according to the News-Sentinel.

At the detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey found Kammerer was a risk to flee if released on bond. "Evidence indicates the defendant has access to anywhere from $150,000 to $800,000 in funds from various ATM installations," Cosbey wrote, "and therefore has means to effectuate an escape and the ability to secret himself for a long duration."

Police are examining other ATMs Kammerer maintained to see if they show shortages, and the case is expected to go before a federal grand jury. If the jury finds cause, more charges could be filed.

The single count with which Kammerer is now charged carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.