Abdurrahim Jalal has been found guilty of using explosives to destroy a bank ATM and possessing illegal explosive devices. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “Criminals who use dangerous explosives to commit crimes will face federal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. We will not tolerate conduct that puts innocent lives at risk or threatens the safety and stability of our communities.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented on the case, saying, “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.”
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.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, Abdurrahim Jalal was convicted on charges including bank theft, using an explosive device during a felony, arson, and possession of unregistered destructive devices after a bench trial held on June 23, 2025. Evidence showed that Jalal used a pipe bomb on March 29, 2023, to blow up an ATM in Decatur, Georgia. He took approximately $88,000 from the machine’s vault following the explosion. Investigators identified him and obtained a warrant for his home where they discovered additional pipe bombs.
Jalal’s sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown. He faces between 15 and 60 years in prison with up to three years supervised release afterward. The court will consider non-binding United States Sentencing Guidelines when determining his sentence.
The investigation involved collaboration between several agencies: 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 this case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185.
