Atlanta, Georgia – A series of alarming incidents have come to light involving men who reported losing consciousness and being robbed of thousands of dollars after visiting bars in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood from November 2021 to last month. According to reports filed by victims and conversations with some of the affected individuals, these men claimed they believed they were drugged or felt abnormally intoxicated before their phones were used to transfer money out of their bank accounts and their credit cards were misused.
The victims shared their experiences with NBC News and law enforcement, with five men alleging that they were driven around the city in unfamiliar cars by strangers while in and out of consciousness. The incidents occurred after visits to bars like Five Paces Inn, Thirty, Johnny’s Hideaway, and The Ivy Buckhead – popular spots known for their lively nightlife.
Reported in a similar fashion to crimes at New York City gay bars, these incidents saw victims being incapacitated and robbed after their assailants gained access to their phones. One victim, Chandler Rebel, recounted losing about $13,000 after a night out at Five Paces Inn, with his last memory being restrained in a moving vehicle. Another victim, Chris, shared how he lost roughly $13,500 after feeling disoriented at The Ivy Buckhead in November 2021.
The victims described waking up to find that their possessions had been tampered with, including finding unknown debit cards and phones. Despite reporting the incidents to the police and providing extensive evidence, some claimed that their cases were not taken seriously, with one victim, Shawn Brown, expressing frustration over what he perceived as a lack of action on the part of law enforcement.
In response to these incidents, the Atlanta Police Department has increased patrols in the area and offered safety tips to the public, emphasizing the importance of reporting crimes promptly. While the men have managed to recover most of their stolen funds through their banks, some were unable to regain access to their iCloud accounts, resulting in the loss of valuable data.
The victims’ harrowing experiences shed light on the vulnerabilities individuals may face when frequenting bars and clubs, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and precautions to prevent similar crimes in the future. As investigations continue into these cases, the victims hope for justice and accountability for those responsible for perpetrating these disturbing acts.