WASHINGTON – Federal law enforcement officials announced today the arrests of Jonathan Winston, 35, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and Jeffery Felder, 37, of Bowie, Maryland, in connection with a string of more than 75 robberies and burglaries that took place across the District of Columbia and Maryland from August 2023 to June 2024. The two men were apprehended this morning in Georgia by the U.S. Marshals Service, making them the fourth and fifth individuals to be taken into custody in connection with the case.
Winston and Felder face charges alongside Stefon Janey, 32, of Accokeek, Maryland; Thomas Hughes, 37, of Cheverly, Maryland; and Jenarro Hewett, 33, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. They have been indicted for interference with interstate commerce by robbery, a violation commonly referred to as Hobbs Act Robbery, as well as conspiracy. The group is accused of orchestrating a series of brazen thefts targeting commercial businesses, vehicles, and ATM machines.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith announced the arrests and indictment, expressing confidence that law enforcement’s coordinated efforts had made the community safer.
“As alleged in the indictment, this crew conspired to commit roughly 40 brazen robberies where they used ‘Jaws of Life’ and similar tools to peel open ATM machines inside stores and outside banks,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Even though the defendants destroyed surveillance footage and took other steps to cover their tracks, our prosecutors and law enforcement officers worked tirelessly to identify the members of this crew who terrorized our region.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge DelBagno underscored the impact the arrests will have on the region. “Undoubtedly, Prince George’s County is safer with these defendants locked up where they can no longer terrorize local businesses and their employees. Their crimes were aggressive, reckless, and dangerous. Now they will face the consequences for each of those crimes.”
According to court documents, the group used tools like the “Jaws of Life,” commonly associated with emergency rescue operations, to pry open ATM machines located inside businesses or at exterior bank locations. The defendants allegedly entered businesses wearing masks and gloves, sometimes carrying firearms, and used stolen vehicles to carry out their crimes. They also reportedly used handheld radios to communicate during the robberies and attempted to destroy surveillance systems to avoid detection.
The crew’s strategy included meeting in advance at predetermined locations, where they would switch to different vehicles before carrying out the robberies. They divided roles among themselves, with one person acting as the getaway driver while others subdued store employees or destroyed surveillance equipment. At least one defendant would use the “Jaws of Life” tool to break open the ATMs and remove the cash inside.
The indictment states that between August 2023 and June 2024, the defendants were responsible for robbing or attempting to rob at least 75 ATMs. It also alleges that some of the proceeds from these robberies were laundered through casinos.
On July 24, 2024, law enforcement arrested Hughes, Hewett, and Janey. During those arrests, investigators recovered 12 firearms, more than $80,000 in cash, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and various high-end clothing and merchandise. The October 15, 2024, arrests of Winston and Felder yielded three additional firearms and other evidence related to the case.
The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by the MPD Carjacking Task Force in coordination with the FBI’s Baltimore office, with additional assistance from local law enforcement agencies, including the Howard County Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Tepfer and Kyle McWaters.
It’s important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
