Pipe bomber given 14-year sentence for ATM explosion near Atlanta

Abdurrahim Jalal has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of blowing up a bank ATM and possessing illegal explosive devices. According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Jalal detonated an explosive at the Bank of America branch at North DeKalb Mall in Decatur, Georgia, around 3:11 a.m. on March 29, 2023. After the explosion, he took approximately $90,000 from the machine's vault and spent several days gambling at a casino in North Carolina.

“Jalal used deadly explosives to steal tens of thousands of dollars and then shamelessly gambled with the loot at a casino,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Although Jalal refused to wager his own money at the gaming tables, he will now pay the price for his crimes.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented on the case: “Abdurrahim Jalal chose greed over the safety of our community when he used an explosive to steal money. Violence and destruction of property will never be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to work together to ensure criminals like Jalal are held accountable.”

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka added: “The successful prosecution of Abdurrahim Jalal is a testament to our unwavering commitment to public safety. We will not tolerate the use of explosives in criminal activity, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our communities are brought to justice."

Investigators identified Jalal as a suspect following the incident and obtained a warrant to search his residence. During this search, authorities discovered eight fully assembled or nearly completed pipe bombs.

On September 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown sentenced Jalal—who is 55 years old and resides in Decatur—to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. He was convicted after a bench trial on June 25, 2025 for bank theft, use of an explosive device during commission of a felony, arson, and two counts related to possession of unregistered destructive devices.

The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), DeKalb County Police Department, and DeKalb County Fire Rescue.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.

For additional details about this case or information about ongoing activities from federal prosecutors in northern Georgia can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.