Some criminal cases fade from memory after the arrest. Others stick around because of a quote so memorable that people are still talking about it a year later.
Back in April 2025, Christopher Hughes became an internet sensation after authorities in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, accused him of stealing an excavator and attempting to remove an ATM from a Regions Bank branch. The unusual crime drew attention online, not only because of the heavy equipment involved, but because the bank sat right beside the local police department.
According to investigators, Hughes later explained his actions by saying he would rather rob a bank than work for his brother. The remark quickly spread online and helped turn the case into one of those classic Florida Man stories that traveled far beyond the Florida Panhandle.
Now, more than a year after the failed ATM heist made headlines, Hughes has recently learned his fate. Considering the amount of damage caused by an excavator being used to attack a bank ATM, some readers may be surprised by how little time he will actually spend behind bars.
Officer Spotted the ATM Theft Attempt in Progress
We dug up the original Facebook post for you if you missed it the first time.
The incident happened during the night of April 16, 2025, when a DeFuniak Springs police officer reportedly witnessed someone operating an excavator while attempting to remove an ATM from a Regions Bank branch.
According to the Office of the City Marshal, when the officer attempted to make contact with the suspect, the operator fled the scene before he could be detained. Detectives later reviewed surveillance footage and identified Hughes as the suspect.
Authorities said Hughes eventually agreed to be interviewed by investigators and admitted to stealing the excavator and attempting to steal the ATM.
Photos released by police showed damage to both the bank and the stolen construction equipment.
The Quote That Turned the Case Into a Viral Florida Man Story
While the alleged ATM theft generated plenty of attention, it was Hughes’ explanation that people couldn’t stop talking about.
According to police, Hughes told investigators, “I would rather rob a bank than work for my brother.”
The quote quickly became the focus of online discussion. Hundreds of commenters flooded the police department’s Facebook post, with many joking that Hughes’ brother must have been a particularly difficult boss.
One commenter wrote, “When he said ‘I’d rather rob a bank than work for my brother’ I felt that.”
Another joked, “His brother must be awful.”
Others suggested that working for the brother should become part of the sentence.
One commenter even joked, “His brother must be pretty bad. He won’t have to be around his brother again for a long while.”
Failed ATM Heist Ends With Jail Time
Following the investigation, Hughes was arrested and charged with grand theft of construction equipment, criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, and burglary of a structure with property damage. Police initially reported that he was given a $7,500 bond.
The case has now reached its conclusion, and the punishment may be lighter than some readers expected, given the damage involved.
According to WMBB, Hughes will serve 11 months in jail followed by three years of probation.
For many people who followed the case when it first went viral, the quote about working for his brother may remain the part they remember long after the sentence has been served.