Texas law enforcement arrested 21 suspects linked to a bank juggling ring in Montgomery and Harris counties, just weeks before stricter penalties for the crime take effect statewide.
Police in Montgomery and Harris counties have arrested 21 people they think were running a gang that juggled banks, officials said Thursday. There have been 12 arrests in the past two months. The arrests occurred just a few weeks before the state's crime rate increased.
For seven of the events, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office states that they occurred in Montgomery County, three in Houston, and two in Harris County. They are being charged with There are various offenses, which range from theft to breaking into a car. Many of the suspects were known gang members, and some were already on bond, parole, or probation.
The crackdown happened after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1902 in June. The bill intensifies the penalties for bank juggling, making it a more serious crime. Bank juggling is a term used to describe thieves who target and rob individuals after they withdraw money from banks or ATMs. If there is violence, the law, which goes into force September 1, makes the crime a first-degree felony that could lead to life in prison.
Brett Ligon, the district attorney for Montgomery County, said, "Bank juggling is just a new way to steal from people." "These thieves often work together, with drivers and eyes on the area." Since these conditions are now present, police have the tools to handcuff all of these people.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle stated that the charges and the new law convey a clear message. "We will respond with a united front to those who enter our communities to commit violent crimes," Doolittle stated. "This is what happens when agencies work together." We are stronger when we work together.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office were all part of the multi-agency task team.
Ligon said that the harsher punishments demonstrate the severity of the acts. "What used to be a misdemeanor is now a felony, and felonies that could get you 20 years in prison now get you life in prison," he said.
Chris Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, praised the bill, calling it a brave step to protect vulnerable Texans. "This law will more fairly punish the criminals who target seniors, small business owners, and other people who just want to handle their money safely," Furlow said.
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