A Florida man is facing federal charges after authorities say he pulled off a bizarre string of crimes involving stolen lottery tickets, convenience store visits, and an attempted armed robbery.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The New York Post, 43-year-old Justin Farley allegedly stole $7,000 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets from a Circle K in St. Petersburg on May 5.
Investigators said Farley pulled into the store in his gray Hyundai Elantra, “opened multiple cabinets and took scratch-off lottery tickets” before driving off.
Roughly 40 minutes later, Farley tried to cash in the stolen tickets at a nearby 7-Eleven. That attempt failed. Prosecutors say he then returned to the same Circle K with the stolen tickets, hoping to redeem them there, but was again unsuccessful. When that didn’t work, he returned a third time, only to come up empty again.
Authorities say Farley escalated later that day. Wearing a black mask, a yellow shirt, and black Nike sneakers, he allegedly entered a 7-Eleven armed with a replica Glock. Prosecutors claim he pointed the gun at a clerk and demanded that the register be opened. He reportedly made off with $120 in cash and a pack of Newport cigarettes before fleeing.
Surveillance footage and Farley’s license plate quickly tied him to the crimes. Police pulled him over on May 22 and charged him with commercial burglary and grand theft. In a recorded interview, Farley admitted to both the Circle K theft and the 7-Eleven robbery. He also told police he “needed money,” according to the affidavit.
Farley was indicted by a Tampa grand jury while in custody on state charges earlier this month. He now faces one count of interference with commerce by threat or violence, a federal charge under the Hobbs Act. The law applies to robberies that impact interstate or foreign commerce.
Court filings note Farley has a prior record, including felony drug and firearm convictions.