February 9, 2026: District Attorney Hochman and Law Enforcement Officials Urge Public to Stay Vigilant at Banks and ATMs Around the Lunar New Year and Other Holidays

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and law enforcement officials from across the county urge the public to stay vigilant, especially when withdrawing and depositing money at banks and ATMs.

"Individuals visiting banks and ATMs are prime targets for criminal opportunists, especially during major holidays such as the upcoming Lunar New Year," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "I urge the public to remain aware of their surroundings when conducting banking business. Trust your instincts - if you believe something appears suspicious, report it immediately. Let me be clear: To those thinking of engaging in criminal conduct, please heed this warning that you will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law."

"Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate heritage, family, and tradition for many across our county, and we want every member of our diverse communities to do so safely," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. "Unfortunately, criminals sometimes exploit this season by targeting individuals who may be withdrawing larger amounts of cash to honor cultural customs. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department remains committed to protecting our residents, raising awareness, and collaborating with our community partners to prevent these crimes and hold offenders accountable."

District Attorney Hochman emphasized the consequences for committing crimes:

"If you target our communities, we will zealously pursue justice by filing all relevant charges, allegations, and enhancements, which could result in a criminal facing a lengthy prison sentence."

Russel Hardy and Cameron Perry, both of Los Angeles, were sentenced in March 2024 to four and 10 years in state prison, respectively, for armed robberies. The two men cased banks throughout the county to prey on people who were withdrawing or depositing money at banks. In one incident, an elderly woman was dragged across a parking lot. Video documented the shocking horror of the crime. In all incidents, the victims were alone.

Dangelo Davonte Thomas of Long Beach and Demoryie Watts of Lancaster were convicted of violently robbing bank customers of their money and wallets, sometimes with a handgun, at bank parking lots in Glendale, Temple City, La Puente, Rosemead and Rowland Heights. Thomas was sentenced to 20 years and four months in state prison; Watts was sentenced to 16 years in state prison.

The District Attorney's Office prosecutes hundreds of robberies every year at our branch offices, including a case in Van Nuys against a trio accused of participating in an armed robbery spree last summer at ATMs outside multiple bank branches. The defendants face nine to 37 years in state prison depending on their level of involvement.

The Office's Organized Crime Division is also relentless in protecting public safety. A case against two men accused of targeting Asian women at Asian shopping centers, including one victim who had just exited a bank and one victim who used the bank's outdoor ATM, is ongoing.

These crimes are not limited to specific cities, banks or populations.

"As a matter of good practice, always be aware of your surroundings and keep safety in mind when visiting banking institutions or ATMs," said Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris.

The District Attorney, top law enforcement officials and the banking community advise all members of the public to take the following precautions at banks and ATMs:

• Be aware and vigilant of surroundings.
• Trust your instincts: If something appears suspicious, leave the location or call 911.
• Park in well-lit areas close to entrances or heavy foot traffic.
• Lock your vehicle's doors as soon as you enter it.
• If being followed, call 911 or drive to the nearest police station.
• Avoid carrying large bags, wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of cash.
• Look out for common distraction tactics by strangers who approach to compliment attire or jewelry, return your "dropped cash" or inspect your vehicle for mechanical defects.

"Lunar New Year is a time of joy, connection and new beginnings. At East West Bank, that means helping our customers celebrate without worry, knowing their money and personal information are protected," said Renee Sun, East West Bank Managing Director of Retail Banking for SoCal. "As we enter the Year of the Horse, our message is simple: pause before you pay. Always know exactly who you are sending money to, and be cautious of unexpected texts, emails or links requesting payment, especially those that pressure you to act quickly. Never rush a payment simply because someone creates a sense of urgency. If you are ever unsure about a message, a transaction or a request for money, contact your bank. You don't have to figure it out alone."

For more resources, including links to report crime, visit https://da.lacounty.gov/operations/bankSafety .