PITTSFIELD, N.H. — Stephano Mazzochi, a Romanian national accused of orchestrating a multi-state ATM scam known as “jackpotting,” is being held at Merrimack County Jail pending arraignment.
The scheme involved malware that allowed Mazzochi to use fake bank cards to empty ATMs across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. On February 21, Mazzochi allegedly stole over $6,000 from the ATM at Bell Brothers, a local store in Pittsfield.
Joel Chagnon, owner of Bell Brothers, expressed frustration over the theft, noting the impact on his small business. Pittsfield police revealed Mazzochi entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and has used multiple fake identities.
After his May arrest on Long Island, investigators tracked Mazzochi’s activities along the East Coast, linking him to several similar crimes, including incidents involving ATM skimmers. Other affected stores include locations in Pelham, N.H., and Dunstable and Westford, Mass.
Mazzochi faces felony theft charges and is scheduled for arraignment this Wednesday. Authorities aim to prevent further damage to local businesses from his alleged criminal activities.
