Man Convicted of Blowing Up Decatur Bank ATM, Possessing Pipe Bombs

Abdurrahim Jalal, 54, of DeKalb County, has been convicted of blowing up a bank automated teller machine and possessing illegal explosive devices. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg announced the conviction following a bench trial on June 23, 2025.

“Criminals who use dangerous explosives to commit crimes will face federal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We will not tolerate conduct that puts innocent lives at risk or threatens the safety and stability of our communities.”

According to evidence presented in court, on March 29, 2023, Jalal used a pipe bomb to detonate an ATM in Decatur, Georgia. After the explosion, he took approximately $88,000 from the machine’s vault. Investigators later identified Jalal and, during a search of his home, recovered additional pipe bombs.

Jalal was convicted of bank theft, use of an explosive to commit a felony, arson, and two counts of possession of an unregistered destructive device.

“Jalal put his own greed ahead of the safety of our community. The FBI will use every resource available to find anyone who would go to the extreme use of a bomb to illegally obtain money,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka added, “The use of explosives in criminal activities poses an immense threat to public safety, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that those who engage in such acts are brought to justice.”

Sentencing for Jalal is scheduled for September 22, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 60 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release. The court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, though they are not binding.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, DeKalb County Police Department, and DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper is prosecuting the case.