A coordinated operation following the tip led to the arrests of Johan Carlos Gomez Castillo, 29, and Hender Pena Aquilar, 35, according to Weldon police Chief James Avens.

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The men, who have temporary Florida drivers license, were caught after getting on Interstate 95 by Trooper J.D. Warren of the state Highway Patrol and Weldon Officer Quinton Godley approximately two hours after the anonymous call was received around 9:15 this morning.

Weldon assembled a meeting with Roanoke Rapids police, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and state Highway Patrol.

The financial institution which maintains the ATM off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway at the old Interstate Inn confirmed another skimmer had been placed there this morning.

The financial institution, Avens said, also confirmed the men have been suspected of placing skimmers in ATMs across the state. The United States Secret Service has also been investigating, the chief said.

Castillo lists a Miami address while Agular lists a North Miami address. Avens said United States Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement may become involved.

Weldon police used Roanoke Rapids police Office Natara Velazquez as a translator.

Aquilar, who was waiting to be interviewed, told rrspin.com “no English” in response to a series of questions on the matter.

Avens said there was no evidence any ATM users who used the machine in Weldon were victimized by the device installed in November or the one installed this morning.

Enfield police Chief Tyree Davis said there was a victim there. The bank paid restitution to the victim and the police department plans to charge the pair, the chief confirmed this afternoon.

“I think it’s a great job by the Weldon Police Department and the team which executed the traffic stop,” Davis said. “Weldon and Enfield have been working together to locate and identify them.”

A skimmer was placed in an Enfield ATM shortly after one was placed in the Weldon machine.

Weldon has charged the men with two counts each of criminal possession of financial transaction card forgery devices.

As of this report they were being processed at the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Avens said he was pleased with the effort today which led to the arrests of the two men. “We’ve been in contact with the financial institution to let them know they’re in custody and we thank the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Highway Patrol and my officers.”

The anonymous call was a key in the effort, Avens said. “Thank you, a big thank you to the concerned citizen,” he said. “I believe when you see something, say something.”

Whether this becomes a federal case will take more investigation, Avens said. “There’ll be a lot of agencies jumping on. I feel if all the other agencies get involved who knows what it might lead to.”