Sentencing and Charges
Cushmir McBride, a 25-year-old man from Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Wednesday to 7 1/2 years in prison for his involvement in a series of ATM explosions that struck Philadelphia in 2020. These incidents resulted in McBride and his accomplices stealing over $400,000, according to federal prosecutors.
The Indictment and Guilty Plea
McBride, along with two others, was indicted for damaging six ATMs during a wave of explosions that saw about 50 cash machines targeted. These acts of theft and vandalism occurred in the wake of protests sparked by the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. McBride pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to five of the robberies, while charges for one incident in Delaware were dropped, his lawyer confirmed.
Defense Statement
“It’s a tragic case,” said defense lawyer Lawrence Bozzelli. “He was really trying to get money to help support his family and he regrets deeply what happened.”
Accomplices and Targeted Locations
McBride’s co-defendants included Nasser McFall, 25, of Claymont, Delaware, and Kamar Thompson, 37, of Philadelphia. The trio targeted ATMs located in various places, including Target and Wawa stores, as well as a bank branch. McFall has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison, while Thompson has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Protests and Aftermath
The ATM explosions occurred in the days following Wallace’s death in October 2020. Wallace’s death led to widespread unrest, resulting in more than 90 arrests and injuries to around 50 police officers during clashes with protesters and vandals. An estimated 1,000 people swarmed a shopping center, breaking windows and looting merchandise.
