Ex-Armourguard Employee’s ATM Heist: Money Still Missing

A former employee of Armourguard, with help from her father, executed a heist involving special company codes to steal nearly $200,000 from an ATM. Although law enforcement has recovered some funds, a significant portion remains missing, prompting court proceedings and unanswered questions.

The Crime Unfolds

In a coordinated effort, former Armourguard employee Jessie-Lee Daniela-Ranford, aged 26, collaborated with her father, James Lindsay Ranford. Together they targeted an ATM, making off with a substantial sum of money. Currently facing charges, the pair appeared in the Hamilton District Court. The judge has postponed sentencing to aid in locating the outstanding funds.

A former Armourguard employee, along with her terminally-ill father, is facing charges after allegedly stealing almost $200,000 from an ATM. https://t.co/qK4hUvQn0g

— Stuff (@stuff_co_nz) May 2, 2024

According to the judge, both defendants are pointing fingers at each other regarding the money’s whereabouts. Shelley Gilbert, the counsel for Ranford, noted that her client does not have information about the stolen money. Jaiden Manera, representing Daniela-Ranford, indicated that the funds in her client’s possession were used to buy a vehicle, which was then seized by the police.

“One issue I have with both defendants is that they both say that the other has had control of the money,”

—Judge Marshall, Judge

Financial crimes, such as ATM heists, are a persistent issue, with the global cost of financial crime reaching an estimated $7.1 trillion in 2023, as reported by a recent study (Statista 2023).

The Heist’s Details

The heist happened on May 31st, last year, at approximately 4:16 p.m. Ranford and his daughter arrived in a Nissan Tiida with altered license plates. Daniela-Ranford, wearing all black clothing, entered a store and accessed an ATM, entering two codes. Court records show she removed five canisters holding $50 and $20 notes.

Afterward, Daniela-Ranford entered the car’s backseat, and Ranford drove away “at high speed.” The Nissan was later set ablaze on Holland Road, Eureka. Captured on CCTV, the pair was seen at a petrol station in a Mitsubishi Outlander registered under Daniela-Ranford’s name.

Police prosecutor Jamie Rowney verified that $159,300 remains unrecovered. Authorities have recovered $28,000 through a vehicle seizure, alongside an additional $5000 found in one of Ranford’s vehicles. The prosecutor called their actions “significant and egregious” with notable financial implications for the victim company.

Next Steps

Judge Marshall adjourned the sentencing. Furthermore, he relaxed Daniela-Ranford’s bail condition to enable them to coordinate and locate the outstanding funds. The duo will reappear for sentencing next month.