Cass County: Fargo Man Pleads Guilty in ATM Heists
CASS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man has pleaded guilty to federal bank robbery charges after a string of ATM burglaries in Cass and Traill Counties. Court filings on November 25 confirm that Jacob Todd Stein, 30, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.
Stein admitted guilt to one count of bank robbery. Federal documents state he entered BankNorth in Arthur on January 7, 2025, intending to commit larceny. The bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, giving the case federal jurisdiction.
Jacob Todd Stein (Courtesy: Authorities)
January Crime Spree
Cass County deputies were called to an alarm at BankNorth in Arthur around 2:15 a.m. on January 7. When deputies arrived, they found the ATM had been forcibly opened. As they examined the scene, officials learned a second ATM had been burglarized in Traill County.
A suspect vehicle was later spotted heading south toward Cass County. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. A high-speed chase followed. The pursuit ended along County Road 26 near Northern Cass School, where three occupants were arrested.
Federal Charges and Expected Sentence
Federal documents say Stein and his accomplices stole cash and caused more than $5,000 in damage during the BankNorth break-in. Prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence at the low end of federal sentencing guidelines. They will also recommend a two-level decrease for acceptance of responsibility if Stein continues to cooperate.
The plea agreement sets a base offense level of 12. It includes a two-level increase for “more than minimal planning” and a one-level increase for damages above $5,000. Stein faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Other Defendants
Stein was arrested along with Zachary Huesers, 33, of Garrison, and Tucker St. Croix, 30, who has no permanent address listed. Their Traill County cases remain open, according to online court records.
Details on federal sentencing guidelines are available through the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.