Loomis Fargo Heist - October 4, 1997

On October 4, 1997, one of the largest cash robberies in U.S. history took place in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event, known as the Loomis Fargo heist, saw $17.3 million in cash stolen from a vault within the Loomis Fargo & Company facilities. Spearheaded by David Ghantt, an employee of the company, the heist quickly became infamous due to its scale and the audacity of those involved.

Key Figures

• David Ghantt: An assistant vault supervisor at Loomis Fargo, Ghantt was the mastermind behind the robbery. Motivated by financial desperation and influenced by a colleague, he orchestrated and executed the robbery before fleeing to Mexico.
• Kelly Campbell: A former Loomis Fargo employee and close associate of Ghantt, Campbell played a crucial role in planning and facilitating the heist.
• Steve Chambers: A key conspirator who assisted in laundering the stolen cash and planned much of the financial activity post-robbery.

Heist Execution

On the evening of October 4, Ghantt used his position as a vault supervisor to gain access to the money. With the help of accomplices, including Campbell and Chambers, the group loaded \(17.3 million into a van over several hours. Ghantt took around \)50,000 for himself and subsequently left for Mexico to avoid immediate capture.

Investigation and Outcome

The robbery prompted a significant FBI investigation due to its large scale and the immediate suspicions cast on Loomis Fargo employees. Ghantt’s sudden disappearance and the conspicuous spending of his co-conspirators, such as Chambers’ purchase of expensive luxury items, quickly drew attention.

By March 1998, authorities apprehended Ghantt and most of his accomplices, successfully recovering over 95% of the stolen cash. The heist led to multiple convictions with Ghantt receiving a nearly seven-year prison sentence.

Historical Significance

The Loomis Fargo heist stands out in U.S. criminal history for numerous reasons. The amount stolen marked it as the second largest cash robbery in the country at the time. The subsequent investigation highlighted the critical role of internal company oversight, leading to improved security protocols in cash handling and transport industries. It demonstrated the flaws in the execution and cover-up of such an enormous crime, ultimately leading to multiple arrests and legal reforms.