A Florida man is facing federal charges after allegedly stealing $7,000 worth of lottery scratch-off tickets from a St. Petersburg convenience store—then returning less than two hours later to try to redeem the stolen winnings.
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by The Independent, Justin Farley, 43, took multiple books of scratch-off tickets from a Circle K gas station on May 5. Surveillance footage showed him entering the store, heading into an office area, and removing the tickets from several cabinets before leaving in a gray Hyundai Elantra.
Roughly 40 minutes later, Farley went to a nearby 7-Eleven to cash in his “winnings,” but the attempt failed. He tried again twice at the same Circle K, each time walking away empty-handed.
Later that night, Farley allegedly returned to the 7-Eleven—this time wearing a mask and carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. He jumped the counter, pointed the weapon at the clerk, and demanded cash. The clerk complied, and Farley escaped with about $120 and a pack of Newport cigarettes, according to the affidavit.
Investigators later used license plate reader data to identify Farley’s car. Police surveillance over the following weeks showed him wearing the same clothes seen in store footage during the theft. On May 22, officers arrested Farley and searched his car and apartment, finding a replica Glock pistol, the stolen lottery tickets, and the clothing and mask worn during the robbery.
During questioning, Farley reportedly confessed, telling officers he “needed money” and admitting to both the Circle K theft and the 7-Eleven robbery.
Farley has a lengthy criminal record, including prior felony convictions for drug-related charges and possession of firearms. He now faces a federal charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits robbery or extortion affecting interstate trade.
He remains in custody and does not yet have a federal attorney listed in court records.
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