by St. Petersburg, Florida – A Florida man’s attempt at an easy payday backfired spectacularly after he allegedly stole $7,000 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets from a convenience store — and then returned to the same store just hours later to try redeeming them.
The Bizarre Heist at Circle K
According to a federal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 43-year-old Justin Farley pulled into a Circle K in St. Petersburg on May 5 and “opened multiple cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets.” Authorities said Farley then fled the scene in a gray Hyundai Elantra loaded with stolen tickets.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the suspect’s movements, including how he rummaged through ticket drawers before escaping the store. Investigators estimated that the total value of the stolen scratch-off tickets amounted to approximately $7,000.
A Not-So-Smart Return
Roughly 40 minutes after the theft, Farley drove to a nearby 7-Eleven in an attempt to cash in his loot. However, his first effort failed — reportedly because the tickets had already been flagged as stolen in the lottery’s system.
Undeterred, Farley made a questionable decision: he went back to the same Circle K from which he had stolen the tickets earlier. There, he tried again to redeem them, but was turned away a second time.
Even after two failed attempts, the suspect allegedly returned a third time to the same location within minutes. Once again, he was unable to cash in any winnings.
From Scratch-Offs to Armed Robbery
Frustrated and desperate, Farley’s alleged crime spree escalated. Prosecutors said he returned to the 7-Eleven, this time wearing a black mask, yellow shirt, and black Nike sneakers, and brandishing what appeared to be a Glock-style handgun.
According to court documents, the firearm turned out to be a replica gun, but the store clerk at the time had no way of knowing that. Farley allegedly pointed the fake weapon at the employee and demanded that they open the cash register.
He managed to steal $120 in cash before forcing the clerk toward the back of the store, where he allegedly snatched a pack of Newport cigarettes before fleeing the scene.
Caught by His Own Mistakes
The attempted thefts and armed robbery quickly drew the attention of law enforcement. Investigators used surveillance footage, witness statements, and Farley’s visible license plate to track his movements.
Police eventually pulled him over on May 22, more than two weeks after the initial incident. He was taken into custody and booked on commercial burglary and grand theft charges.
During questioning, Farley reportedly confessed to the robberies, telling detectives that he had committed the crimes because he “needed money.” In a recorded interview, he admitted to hitting both the Circle K and 7-Eleven, though it is unclear if he discussed his repeated return attempts to the same stores.
Federal Charges Under the Hobbs Act
While initially held on state charges, Farley’s case took a more serious turn when a Tampa grand jury indicted him on federal charges.
He now faces one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence, a violation of the Hobbs Act — a federal statute that targets robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
The charge carries a potential 20-year prison sentence, depending on the outcome of his federal case.
A Long Criminal History
Court records show that Farley has a lengthy criminal history, including prior convictions for felony drug and firearm possession. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he will face additional charges related to the theft of the lottery tickets, but his repeated attempts to cash in the stolen scratch-offs have drawn widespread attention online.
The Florida Lottery confirmed that it works closely with law enforcement to identify and track stolen or tampered tickets, which are automatically deactivated in the system once reported missing.
A Costly Lesson in Greed
What began as a theft of lottery tickets — seemingly inspired by the hope of an easy win — has now landed Farley in much deeper trouble. His series of failed redemption attempts and subsequent armed robbery could cost him decades behind bars.
Authorities said the case serves as a reminder that all lottery tickets are traceable and that attempting to redeem stolen ones leaves a digital trail that investigators can follow.
What do you think of this case? Have you ever seen a crime this bold — or this foolish? Share your thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com.
