Surveillance footage shows a suspect attempting to disable a security camera. Image via U.S. Dept. of Justice

A member of a suspected South American burglary crew pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Fresno to charges related to a multi-state series of bank and ATM robberies across California, Washington and Oregon. 

Chile native Maite Celis Silva, 27, admitted to one count of bank robbery, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday afternoon. Documents show that Celis supported the group’s operations by renting short-term vacation properties near bank and ATM targets that were used as staging locations for the heists. 

Local cash losses approached $300,000.

 

The conspiracy, which was active from May through October 2024, used vehicles rented on the black market and sophisticated tactics that included construction-crew disguises, blowtorches and cellphone jammers to break into ATMs and steal cash. Losses from the conspiracy totaled up to over $5.5 million.

The ring targeted over 29 banks and credit unions, including several in the Central Valley, with local law enforcement collaborating with the FBI.

Nine other defendants are currently charged in the case. 

Celis is scheduled for sentencing June 1, before U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for bank robbery and five years for conspiracy.