Unfortunate timing.
A man from Florida faced federal charges recently after he allegedly made off with $7,000 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets from a convenience store, only to return hours later in an attempt to cash in his winnings, as reported by officials.
Justin Farley, 43, drove into a Circle K in St. Petersburg on May 5, where he “accessed several cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets,” before escaping in his gray Hyundai Elantra, according to a probable cause affidavit seen by The Post.
Approximately 40 minutes later, Farley attempted to redeem his haul at a nearby 7-Eleven, according to the document filed with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
After his initial failed attempt, he returned to the very same Circle K to try and cash in on the seven booklets of tickets he had stolen. Once again, he was unsuccessful, the document indicated.
Minutes later, he arrived back at the Circle K for a third unsuccessful attempt to redeem his tickets.
Feeling frustrated, Farley returned to the 7-Eleven, this time donning a black mask, a yellow shirt, and black Nike shoes, and aimed a fake Glock at the clerk, demanding that they open the cash register, according to prosecutors.
He managed to steal $120 from the register before ushering the clerk to the back of the store and taking a pack of Newport cigarettes, the prosecution stated.
A substantial amount of evidence, including his license plate and surveillance footage, led police to apprehend Farley on May 22, where he was charged with commercial burglary and grand theft, according to reports initially from The Independent.
During police questioning, Farley admitted that he “needed money,” per the affidavit.
In a recorded interview with law enforcement, he confessed to the crimes at both the Circle K and 7-Eleven; it remains unclear if he mentioned his repeated visits to either location.
While he was held on state charges, Farley was indicted by a Tampa grand jury. He faced federal charges on Tuesday, according to the report.
Now, he is charged with one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence, a federal offense under the Hobbs Act, which makes robberies that affect interstate or foreign commerce illegal.
This ill-fated thief also boasts a lengthy criminal record, including past convictions for drug and firearm offenses.
