Reynoldsburg armored truck worker admits stealing $220,000 meant for local PNC banks, ATMs
Bethany BrunerA Reynoldsburg man who worked as an armored truck delivery driver for banks and ATMS has admitted to stealing more than $200,000 in less than a month.
Justin Eskridge, 37, entered a guilty plea Friday to a single count of theft or embezzlement by a bank employee or agent in U.S. District Court in Columbus.
The U.S. Attorney's office said Eskridge worked for a company that delivered money to federally insured banks and ATM locations. Eskridge's specific role was as an armed service technician for the company and was contracted to work at PNC Bank branches and ATMs.
Eskridge began working for the company in July 2021 and would take bags of money in an armored vehicle to the bank locations, federal prosecutors said.
Between Dec. 14, 2022, and Jan. 9, 2023, Eskridge stole more than $220,000, prosecutors said.
Bank tellers reported shortages that totaled about $226,000 which prompted an investigation that identified Eskridge as the person responsible for deliveries along that service route.
Eskridge ultimately admitted to his employer that he had taken the money, prosecutors said. About $144,000 of the stolen money was found in Eskridge's car.
Part of a plea deal in federal court that Eskridge agreed to includes repaying the remaining money that was stolen to the company.
Eskridge faces a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. No date had been scheduled Friday for his sentencing.