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June 20, 2025
Jasper County deputies in Jasper, Texas have seized nearly $32,000 from a Bitcoin Depot ATM/kiosk after a local family was scammed out of $25,000, according to a 12 News Now report. The recovery occurred on Tuesday after the family reported being defrauded at a Hardin County location.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, victims received a call from an individual impersonating a government entity, demanding $25,000 in supposed fees to be paid to a bitcoin account via a Bitcoin Depot kiosk. Following the report, Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam, Jr., Deputy Gray, and Investigator David Lampman swiftly obtained a search warrant.
The investigation led deputies to the bitcoin kiosk inside Sunshine Grocery in Hardin County. With assistance from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies cut the locks on the machine and recovered $31,900. «When thieves, low-lifes and scammers attempt to take advantage of the citizens of Jasper County, we will work swiftly and utilize every resource at our disposal to protect our citizens and their property at all costs,» Sheriff Chuck Havard told the news outlet.
The seized funds have been returned to Jasper County pending a seizure hearing, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Havard also urged residents to remain vigilant against online scams.